Friday, September 13, 2019_PT ISSUE by Progress Times

See Inside

2019 HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTS PREVIEW THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

DISTRICT 16-5A1

FALL EDITION

DISTRICT 16-5A2

DISTRICT 30-6A

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Progress times

Vol. 48 - #4

Friday, September 13, 2019

50¢ cents

INSIDE

• PALMHURST

www.ptrgv.com

• MISSION

MCISD lowers school tax rate by 10 cents and makes bus drivers highest paid

City of Mission Updates

By Jamie Treviño

We have a couple of stories on the city of Mission this week, including the regular city council meeting, the 20192020 city budget and the latest on the Housing Authority. See inside for the latest.

See Pg. 4

City of Palmview Updates

See our stories on the city of Palmview for the latest on the the police department’s asset forfeiture program and the drunken drive case against the mayor. Dave Hendricks has the latest, inside.

See Pg. 10

SPORTS

Big 7 Football Round-Up

Courtesy photo.

UTRGV engineering students along with members of the Palmhurst City Council. The engineering students will be working with the city on a bioretention project to monitor the quality of water at the city’s Shary Municipal Park.

UTRGV partnering with Palmhurst for Shary Chapel Municipal Park project By Jose De Leon III While rain is usually seen as a cause for delay in most construction projects, engineering students at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley viewed last week’s rains as the opposite of that. In a partnership between the city of Palmhurst’s stormwater department and UTRGV students, the city will build a bio-retention pond as part of their expansion project for Shary Municipal Park. The bio-retention system-a manmade trench that will be six to eight feet deep and 40 feet in length with a width of 16 feetwill be used to study rainwater runoff and different types of filtration systems to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. “The engineering department will come here and monitor how dirty the water is and the different

contaminants in the water.” Palmhurst Planning Director Lupe Garcia said. “We’re creating a giant filtration system.” The filtration system will work by splitting the bioretention system into different cells where different types of rocks-acting as a filtration system-will be placed. The bioretention system will be placed downhill of the park right in front of the park’s reservoir system, where the runoff water already naturally flows to. Students will collect rainwater from the top of the hill, which is where the parking lot is, and at the bioretention system to compare the amount of pollutants before and after the stormwater goes through the bioretention system, Garcia said. “We arrived here earlier and without testing it could tell that the water was full of pollutants,” UTRGV instructor Ahmed Mohmoud said. “The water was

Precinct 3 constable says he’ll run for sixth term Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable Larry Gallardo plans to run for a sixth term in March, when he’ll face a challenger for the first time since 2004. Gallardo will run for re-election against La Joya police Officer Miguel Flores in the Democratic Party primary. “It’ll be my sixth term,” Gallardo said. “And, possibly, my final term.” Lazaro “Larry” Gallardo Jr., 56, of Palmhurst graduated from Mission High School in 1981. He always wanted to work in law enforcement. “It’s always been an interest of

See LARRY GALLARDO Pg. 11

Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Constable Larry Gallardo Photo courtesy of Larry Gallardo.

Sullivan City ‘Lyft smuggler’ pleads not guilty By Dave Hendricks

INDEX Sports.......................pg. 6 Lifestyle...................pg. 8 Entertainment....pg. 9 Classifieds...........pg. 12

mine. Ever since I was a kid,” Gallardo said. “I remember riding around our neighborhood, way back when I was a child, playing cops and robbers. And I was always a cop.” During the 1990s, when Gallardo worked for the Mission school district, he became a reserve deputy under Precinct 3 Constable Luis Zamora. Gallardo decided to run for constable in 2000. “I spent a lot of time in the constable’s office,” Gallardo said, adding that he handled paperwork and other tasks without pay. “They had hand-me-down vehicles. So I was the one who would install the lights and

• SULLIVAN CITY

See Pg. 6

Death Notices...pg. 11

See PARK PROJECT Pg. 2

• HIDALGO COUNTY By Dave Hendricks

Our sports section this week features a story highlighting the roundup for the games being played by Big 7 teams this week, gearing up for week 3 of football season.

brown which is a sign that it’s not the best, probably as a result of fertilizers and pesticides from the orchards and petroleum leakage from the parking lot and fecal matter from stray animals here.” The collaboration originated from the city and the university being members of the Rio Grande Valley Stormwater Management-a group of several cities and organizations that monitor the quality of water throughout the Valley. The bioretention system is part of the development the city of Palmhurst is doing for the Shary Municipal Park Project to beautify the area to make it accessible to the public. First announced two years ago, the city outlined plans for the park located adjacent to the iconic Shary Memorial Chapel which city leaders envisioned as

Jose C. Vigil Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

A teenager accused of smuggling migrants through Los Ebanos in a Lyft pleaded not guilty Wednesday. Jose C. Vigil, 18, of Mission is charged with smuggling of persons, a third-degree felony. “Not guilty,” Vigil said Wednesday morning, when he appeared before state District Judge Keno Vasquez for arraignment. Attorney Daniel R. Reyes of McAllen, who represents Vigil, declined to comment. Sullivan City police officers arrested Vigil on April 5, when they stopped a white Volkswagen Jetta near the intersection of Farm-toMarket Road 886 and U.S. 83. The driver, a 22-year-old Mission

man, had three passengers jammed in the back seat. Two had wet pants and muddy shoes. The third was Vigil. “Let me ask you a question,” police Officer Joshua Rodriguez asked the driver. “Who are the guys in the back?" The driver stuttered and started shaking. “I don’t know,” the driver said. “I work for Lyft.” Officers responded with skepticism, but the driver insisted he wasn’t lying. He showed them the Lyft app on his phone and Lyft decals. After he picked up Vigil, the Lyft driver said he went to Los Ebanos. Two men jumped in the car and they

See LYFT SMUGGLER Pg. 11

The Mission Consolidated Independent School District approved the 2019-2020 school tax rate, and it’s going down by 10 cents. Following the passing of House Bill 3 by the 86th Texas Legislature in 2019, the district is lowering the maintenance and operations (M&O) part of the school tax rate. The I&S (interest and sinking) part of the tax rate, which holds the funds for payments on existing debts, will remain the same. During this week’s MCISD regular called meeting, the board of trustees approved the 2019-2020 school tax rate. Overall, the school tax rate is going from 1.3398 per $100 evaluation to 1.2395 per $100 evaluation. MCISD also approved a stipend for their elementary teachers in multi-age childhood classrooms (Pre-K) of $2,000. MCISD implemented the early-childhood program at the beginning of this 2019-2020 school year, opening a limited number of Pre-K3 classrooms at Salinas Elementary School Fine Arts Academy to serve the north side of the district, Escobar/Rios Elementary School to serve the more central areas of the district and Leal Elementary School of Technology and Engineering in the south area. According to Verley, the demand is so great at these three campuses that they each have a waiting list. “It was greater than anticipated,” Craig Verley, Director of Public Relations and Marketing at MCISD, said. “It’ll be a situation where we’re probably going to have to open up at some other schools - it will also include the three schools where we already

See MCISD BOARD Pg. 11

• LA JOYA

Enrollment drops at La Joya ISD By Dave Hendricks

When school started on Aug. 19, teachers in western Hidalgo County had slightly fewer students than last year. The Sharyland school district had 287 fewer students. The Mission school district had 360 fewer students. And the La Joya school district had 247 fewer students. When she briefed the La Joya school board last month, Superintendent Gisela Saenz also had sobering news about the second day of the semester: 25,562 students showed up for school, 822 fewer than last year. “We’re almost 1,000 less than last year,” said La Joya school board Vice President Alex Cantu. “And that’s alarming.” Many factors, including demographic changes, competition for students and the date school starts, affect enrollment. “Traditionally, Mission CISD and many of the districts in the area see enrollment numbers change throughout the school year, especially if there are a large number of migrant families,” said Craig Verley, a spokesman for the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, in an email. “In Mission CISD we usually see our enrollment slowly grow through the fall and peak sometime in January and February. Then there tends to be a slow and slight decrease as we head toward the end of the school year.” The La Joya school district had nearly 1,300 migrant students during the 2018-2019 school year, the second-highest number in Hidalgo County, according to data published by the Region One Education Service Center. Mission had nearly 220 and Sharyland had about 100. Slowing population growth in South Texas is also affecting enrollment. In January, Region One counted about 436,000 students enrolled at school districts located in Cameron County, Willacy County, Hidalgo County, Brooks County, Starr County, Zapata County, Jim Hogg County and Webb County. They’re spread among dozens of school districts and charter schools, which

See ENROLLMENT Pg. 12

page 2

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

18 years later

September 13, 2019

LJISD’s De Zavala Middle School pays tribute to 9/11 By Jamie Treviño 7th and 8th grade students at De Zavala Middle School took Wednesday morning to memorialize 9/11, even though they weren’t born when the Twin Towers collapsed. 18 years after the tragic event that sent shockwaves throughout the country, campuses in the La Joya Independent School District (including Lorenzo De Zavala Middle School) remembered September 11, 2001 by holding special ceremonies. The ceremony at De Zavala drew the students, along with several family members and parents, and featured civil service police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service providers from the city of La Joya, the city of Peñitas and Sullivan City, along with representatives from Rio Grande Valley EMS. Dr. Antonio Uresti, the principal of De Zavala Middle School, gave the welcome remarks for the 2nd annual Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony. He spoke on the importance of remembering 9/11 and the sacrifices made daily by American civil service members, thanking those present. “Thank you for being here and putting your lives at risk for the benefit of all of us,” Uresti said. “We are forever indebted to your service, and it’s a true commitment to others.”

He noted that De Zavala Middle School was recently designated a leadership school in the district, and because of that they are encouraging students to take on more leadership roles in academics and extracurricular activities. “Our students basically will be leading this assembly so they can gain experience in public speaking and the different attitudes and principles that are involved in leadership,” Uresti said. Student Paola Fernandez acted as the master of ceremonies for De Zavala’s Remembering 9/11 Ceremony.

“Our gratitude and pride cannot be overstated,” Fernandez said of the civil service members present. 8th grade student Eduardo Garcia gave a student account of 9/11, and why it is vital for young people of all ages and upcoming generations to be educated on what happened. “The only knowledge I have of that day comes from what I have read, television, social media and what has been shared by my teachers and family members who lived through it,” Garcia said. “Sept. 11 has been portrayed as one of America’s worst days, and yet it is also de-

picted as one of bravery and heroism.” Garcia said he was glad to take a moment to honor those who lost their lives and the brave souls who went after them. “Today, as we gather to pay our respects for the memories of those who lost their lives, we are also here to honor our local first responders,” Garcia said. “Days like 9/11 help us recognize the commitment and self-sacrifice our firefighters, police officers and EMS providers engage in every day.” 8th grade student Desiree Garza gave attendees a his-

tory on Sept. 11, 2001 and its significance. “The attacks on Sept. 11 were intended to break our spirit,” Garza said. “Instead, we have grown stronger and more unified.” She described the events of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists hijacked four airplanes to carry out suicide attacks against targets in the United States, including the North and South Towers that made up the World Trade Center complex in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. “A total of 2,996 people were killed in the attacks of

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

9/11,” Garza said, noting that many of the deaths were of first responders working to save those trapped in the buildings. “As said by former President Obama in 2018, ‘we remember and we will never forget the 3,000 beautiful lives taken from us so cruelly.’ Today we are here to honor the courage of those who put themselves in harms way to save people they never knew.” The school held a moment of silence following a video presentation and a prayer from members of the De Zavala Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter, and the “taps” bugle call was played. At the end of the ceremony, the first responders present were invited to the front of the gym to receive gift baskets from the school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) in thanks of their continued efforts for the community. “18 years may seem like a long time, but for the families who lost a piece of their hearts that day, I can imagine it just seems like yesterday,” Garza said. “We will remember every rescuer who died in honor, we will remember every family that lives in grief, we will remember the fire and ash. We are here to remember those fallen heroes.”

Civil service officers and firefighters, standing next to members of the Jewelettes dance team, hold gifts from the De Zavala Middle School JROTC in honor of their continued service to the community during the school’s Remembering 9/11 Ceremony.

2020

from pg. 1

PARK PROJECT

within six weeks, Garcia added. “The idea is that instead of getting water runoff from the pavement with contaminants is to make a manmade filter system that cleans it before the water goes into the Laguna Madre and our drinking water,” Garcia said. “So it’s a way to be proactive in cleaning our water before it gets to our reservoir and it’ll look like landscape when all is said and done.” Application Available at: Saturday, October 26, 2019 Mission TX 78572 Mohmoud, who is overTexas Citrus Office - 220 E. 9thSt. 10 am @ Krysta’s Event Center seeing seven students who (956) 585-1665 Mission, Texas are participating in this projApplication Available at: Deadline: September 30, 2019 ect, said that besides helping Texas Citrus Office - 220 E. 9thSt. the city of Palmhurst, stuApplication Fee: $100 dents will be able to gain real Deadline: October 18, 2019 world experiences from the Application Fee: $100 work they put into the projMust be 6 years old on or before Jan. 31, 2020. ect. Duchess must be 16-19 on or before Jan, 31, 2020. “We will have stronger Participants from all over the Rio Grande Must reside in these areas or attend these engineers from it for all the Valley are encouraged to participate school districts. experiences they will get 5 princesses will be selected from applying the knowlto be a part of the edge they already had and 2020 Texas Citrus from receiving knowledge Royal Court. here in the field.” Maria Venessa Pruneda, a UTRGV sophomore participating in the project, agreed with her professor. “This will help me -being out on the field- in the fuDinner as I learn how to work Join us for with Friends ture to serve my own communievery Friday communion the ty,” Pruneda said. “You don’t 3-5pm at of the Mission Community Center @ 5:30pm First Sunday get this from a class. You Everyone Application 13, 2017 is can graduate with a degree every month.Deadline: Friday, October by being in a class all the For more Information About These Events: (956) 585-9724 Application Fee: $100 Welcome! time but if you don’t do field Must be 6 years old on or before Jan. 31, 2018. email: info@texascitrusfiesta.org work, you won’t be ready.” Participants from all over the Rio Grande Valley are encouraged to participate.5 princesses will be selected to be a part of the 2018 Texas Citrus Royal Court.

Mission/Sharyland Duchess & Princess Anna Pageants

2019 Mission/Sharyland

Duchess Contest

2019 Princess Anna

a scenic centerpiece for the small, close-knit community. The development includes building a pavilion, a walking trail and filling up the reservoir to make a lake. Garcia said the project is being done in stages throughout the next several years as budget

funds from the city become available. So far the city has completed widening the entrance of the park and adding a parking lot. The next phase is to build restrooms in the park, Garcia said. The bioretention system, meanwhile, should be built

Mission First United Methodist Church 1101 Doherty Ave.

Pageant

Sunday Services: 8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship

2018 Princess Anna Pageant Saturday, October 21, 2017

BUY HERE

www.missionfumc.com

“Our prices are competitive, but our service is unbeatable”

FRIENDLY SERVICE

In House Financing with

Beto Salinas

(Owner/Operator)

PAY HERE

Office: 956-800-9911 Cell.: 956-360-3757

520 E. 9th St. Mission, TX 78572 Raul Cruz -General Manager

September 13, 2019

August 16, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Congratulations!

page 3

LA JOYA ISD CAMPUSES that earned an “A” RATING FROM E L E M E N TA R Y S C H O O L

MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL

William J. Clinton Elementary

Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Elementary

Ann W. Richards Middle School

Thelma Rosa Salinas STEM Early College High School

Tabasco Elementary 93

Evangelina Garza Elementary 90

94 out of 100

93 out of 100

91 out of 100

98 out of 100

O V E R A L L R AT I N G O N THREE DOMAINS Student Achievement

90 out of 100

95 out of 100

School Progress Closing the Gaps TEA Accountability Ratings Reflect a Commitment to: recognizing high student achievement recognizing the impact of highly effective educators maintaining focus on students most in need.

Jimmy Carter Early College High School

CAMPUSES EARNING ALL POSSIBLE DISTINCTIONS Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Elementary 6 out of 6 ELA/Reading, Mathematics, Science, Academic Growth, Closing the Gaps, Postsecondary Readiness

Ann W. Richards Middle School 7 out of 7

Memorial Middle School 7 out of 7

ELA/Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Academic Growth,Closing the Gaps, Postsecondary Readiness

ELA/Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Academic Growth, Closing the Gaps, Postsecondary Readiness

SCHOOL BOARD Claudia Ochoa, President Alejandro “Alex” Cantu, Vice-President Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa, Secretary Oscar “Coach” Salinas, Member Nereyda Cantu, Member Mary T. Hernandez, Member Armin Garza, Member

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Gisela Saenz, Superintendent of Schools

Joel Treviño, Asst. Superintendent for Administration & Finance Ricardo Villarreal, Asst. Superintendent for Student Services

Magda Villarreal, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Martin Muñoz, Asst. Superintendent for Human Resources Jose Luis Morin, Asst. Superintendent for Operations

La Joya ISD Continues to be the District of Choice for Academic Excellence!

La Joya Independent School District (956) 323-2545 | www.lajoyaisd.com

page 4

September 13, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Mission approves 2019-2020 budget By Jamie Treviño

The city of Mission approved the 2019-2020 budget during this week’s city council meeting after several workshops in the last few months. City Manager Randy Perez presented the total budget along with the specific amounts being allocated to different funds overseen by the city. The total budget for the next fiscal year is $118,238,499. English 5”x16”fund will The general have $47,804,943, the util-

PUBLIC NOTICE

Explanatory Statements for the November 5, 2019 Constitutional Amendment Election Proposition Number 1 (HJR 72) HJR 72 proposes a constitutional amendment permitting an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time. Unlike an appointed municipal judge, an elected municipal judge may not concurrently hold another municipal judge office. This amendment would allow an elected municipal judge to serve as a municipal judge in more than one municipality at the same time, in the same manner as appointed municipal judges. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment permitting a person to hold more than one office as a municipal judge at the same time.” Proposition Number 2 (SJR 79) SJR 79 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Texas Water Development Board to issue additional general obligation bonds, in an amount that does not exceed $200 million, for the economically distressed areas program. These bonds can only be used to provide financing for the development of water supply and sewer service projects in those economically distressed areas as defined by law. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $200 million to provide financial assistance for the development of certain projects in economically distressed areas.” Proposition Number 3 (HJR 34) HJR 34 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to temporarily exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of certain property located in an area covered by a disaster declaration of the governor. The proposed amendment would allow the legislature to prescribe the method of determining the amount of the tax exemption and the duration of the exemption and also would allow the legislature to create any additional eligibility requirements for the tax exemption. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.”

ity fund at $24,630,750, the debt service fund will have $5,875,807, the special revenue fund will hold $15,374,586 and the capital projects fund will have $7,453,622. The remaining $17,098,791 is distributed in various amounts between the group health fund, the golf course fund, the capital golf course fund, the solid waste fund and the Mission Event Center budget. Council approved the budget with a unanimous vote. Perez also presented the public hearing for the

Proposition Number 4 (HJR 38) HJR 38 proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting the state from imposing or collecting an individual income tax, including an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income. There is no current constitutional bar on imposing or collecting an individual income tax. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual’s share of partnership and unincorporated association income.” Proposition Number 5 (SJR 24) SJR 24 proposes a constitutional amendment that would automatically appropriate the net revenue received from the portion of the state’s tax revenue received on sales of sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The legislature would maintain the authority to determine the specific uses of the funds and their allocation between TPWD and THC. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas’ natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.” Proposition Number 6 (HJR 12) HJR 12 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase the maximum bond amount for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) from $3 billion to $6 billion to be issued by the Texas Public Finance Authority. CPRIT was created in 2007 to promote and fund cancer research in Texas. CPRIT uses bond proceeds to award grants for cancer research and prevention. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.” Proposition Number 7 (HJR 151) HJR 151 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions from $300 million per year to $600 million per year to the available school fund and also allowing the State Board of Education, the General Land Office, and other entities that manage revenue from land

proposed property tax rate for 2019, which is set to be 0.5212 per 100 evaluation. This would raise the Mission tax rate by 3.5 cents. During the public hearing for the rate, Maria Ester Peña Salinas, who owns several properties in the city of Mission, spoke against the increase. “I am very upset about this tax increase,” Salinas said. “Three of you have been on the board [for] over 20 years. What happened in the past - taking money from one budget to another - is not

or other properties held in the permanent school fund to distribute certain revenue to the available school fund. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions to the available school fund.” Proposition Number 8 (HJR 4) HJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment creating the flood infrastructure fund as a special fund in the state treasury, using money appropriated from the economic stabilization fund. The flood infrastructure fund would provide additional resources to implement plans to mitigate flood damage. The proposed amendment would authorize the Texas Water Development Board to use money in the flood infrastructure fund for drainage, flood mitigation, or flood control projects. The proposed amendment also would authorize the creation of separate accounts in the flood infrastructure fund as necessary to administer the fund or authorized projects. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.” Proposition Number 9 (HJR 95) HJR 95 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to create a property tax exemption for precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.” Proposition Number 10 (SJR 32) SJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to allow a state agency or political subdivision to transfer a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker in certain circumstances. Currently, the Texas Constitution prevents the transfer of certain public property, such as law enforcement animals, to a private person or organization at no cost. This amendment authorizes the legislature to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to the animal’s handler or another qualified caretaker at no cost, upon the animal’s retirement or at another time if the transfer is determined to be in the animal’s best interest. The proposed amendment will appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to a qualified caretaker in certain circumstances.” Published by The Office of the Texas Secretary of State, www.VoteTexas.gov, 1/800-252-VOTE(8683).

the citizens’ fault.” As previously reported by the Progress Times, the city of Mission received scrutiny from the Texas Water Development Board for improperly transferring over $30 million from the utility fund to the general fund over ten years (2008 to 2018). The money from the utility fund was meant to be used for water and sewer services in Mission, and because of the continued transfer the city was considered to be in noncompliance. Since then, Mission has had to undergo changes (in a city council-approved resolution draft) to ensure that the city no longer relies on transfers from the utility fund to the general fund. “I seem to work [more] as a retired individual, holding two jobs, to pay my taxes,” Salinas said, adding that she has had to call the police department several times to report people she believes to be participating in criminal activity near or by her properties, to no avail. “I’m a professional and I’m trying to make ends meet.” She told council that they should learn how to allocate spending and “conserve money.” “There are so many items

where I am upset,” Salinas said. “I know what the previous mayor was all about, we went all the way to the supreme court [referring to when former Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas sued her for making defamatory statements; she appealed to the Supreme Court of Texas and won].” Salinas said she hates bothering the police department, but will call constantly because local establishments like the Ice House are playing loud music and “driving [them] insane” and reporting illegal and criminal activity near a large property of hers that she is trying to turn into a bed and breakfast. “They can’t seem to do anything, but then I hear ‘oh, if we don’t get y’all’s tax money we’re going down under,’” Salinas said. “Hey I have special family, I have to take care of them. I’m upset about that.” She also added that she has been asking for parks that meet Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards for 15 years, but the city is only just now “excited” about the idea. “The money was spent wrongfully,” Salinas said. “You guys are my friends the majority of you all - and

I voted for you. But I’m very disappointed. Y’all need to be more sensitive to the needs of the taxpayer.” The city council listened to Salinas, but did not respond. She was the only resident to speak during the public hearing. The next and final public hearing before the vote will be held on Mon. Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m. At the end of the meeting, Mayor Armando O’caña announced that on Saturday, Nov. 9 the city is planning to hold a special Veterans Day parade before the federal holiday. “We’re inviting all veterans, there are no boundaries, they do not have to be from Mission,” O’caña said. “Any families that want to honor their loved ones who were in World War II, the European Theater or the Vietnam War or the Korean War, bring a picture, come over. The family can march.” O’caña said the plan is for the parade to start on Conway and Business 83 and will march to Bryan Rd. and Bus. 83, in order to end in the CEED [Center for Education and Economic Development] Building parking lot, which will hold further informational events starting at 3 p.m.

City of Mission may intervene in housing authority dispute By Jose De Leon III After receiving a letter from the Mission Housing Authority informing them of a hold in their funding for a local senior center-and to complain about two of its board membersthe city of Mission is discussing meeting with the housing authority. On Monday, Mission Mayor Armando “Doc” O’Caña received a letter from Mission Housing Authority Executive Director Joel A. Gonzalez that filled him in on the dispute that is causing a hold on the Palm Plaza Development senior center-which is funded by public housing funds and a local grant from the Area Agency on Aging. According to housing authority Deputy Director Jaime Ayala, AAA provides to the development plaza a $40,000 grant to serve as a refund to give salaries for kitchen staff and other part time employees in the senior center. The grant has been put on hold after board members Irma Flores-Lopez and Connie Garza expressed concerns with the center being used by the public instead of being restricted to housing authority tenants-despite a AAA stipulation stating that the center be open to the public. “Flores-Lopez and Garza have motioned to end such services that have been in existence for more than 30 years,” Gonzalez stated in the letter, adding that the board needs to take action in an emergency meeting before the deadline to receive the grant by Oct. 1. “Along with this action we are releasing three part time employees by 9/30/19 that are totally paid by these program funds.” The rest of the city council and the Progress Times newspaper also received a copy of the letter. “You may also consider withdrawing the two commissioner’s appointment and reappoint new individuals with a more civil and knowledgeable approach in dealing with the Mission Housing Authority activities and main mission of providing safe, decent affordable housing to our Community” the letter concluded. THE HOLD The dispute started last month when the authority’s Deputy Director Jaime Ayala informed the board of the hold after Garza reached out to AAA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to see if any violations were made by letting members of the public to use the center, creating the hold. No violations were found by either agencies, Ayala told the board at a special meeting last week, leaving it up to the board to decide if they wanted to continue letting the public

in the center. To remove the hold, Ayala said, the board had to send a letter to AAA saying they will continue to serve non-tenants in the senior center at Palm Plaza Development, which was denied by the majority to avoid any potential legal problems. Garza, who sits on the board of AAA, acknowledged that a contingency of AAA to award these funds was that the center be open to the public. She recommended referring the non-tenants to other local adult daycares such as Amigos del Valle, which provides meals to the center. She added that if the senior center were to ultimately lose the funds, the housing authority should take advantage of local pilot programs the city offers to keep funding it. THE LETTER Members of the city council discussed the letter on Monday during the city council’s comments portion of the meeting. Both commissioners Ruben Plata and Jessica Ochoa mentioned the possibility of meeting with the housing authority to discuss the hold, and how the authority is operated. “It’s important we don’t ignore these concerns,” Plata said. After the meeting, O’Caña said that despite agreeing with Flores-Lopez and Garza on the center need to be restricted, the city will reach out to the housing authority. “We have a problem and it needs to be addressed, but I stand by my decision to appoint [Flores-Lopez and Garza],” O’Caña said. Prior to the meeting, Gonzalez said he sent the letter to the mayor in the hopes of getting him to change Flores-Lopez and Garza’s mind on the issue. “The mayor is the one who appointed these particular individuals against this project,” Gonzalez said. “We feel he’s the only one who has the influence. He’s the one who appointed them, he can change their minds. The vote they took is the one holding up the money being granted to us next month.” Garza and Flores-Lopez have previously said their decision to prevent non-tenants from using the center stems from safety concerns such as the building not being up to code or having staff members not trained in CPR. Garza said after the meeting that she has addressed these concerns multiple times to the board and hopes to get it rectified soon. While Flores-Lopez expressed an interest in holding an emergency meeting to discuss the senior center further, Garza admitted she didn’t see a point in holding one. “We’ve already voted against this, how many more times should we discuss it?” Garza said.

September 13, 2019

Peñitas to keep property tax rate the same By Jamie Treviño According to city leadership, the budget for Peñitas is “right on the number.” Last Friday, Sept. 6, members of the Peñitas city commission and budget committee, along with the mayor, police chief and fire chief met for a budget workshop to discuss the preliminary budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. City Manager Omar Romero presented an overall view of the budget and how the city is doing. “We do a lot with the revenue that we have,” Romero said. “And I think that as we continue to grow we will be able to provide more services.” The city is planning on keeping the property tax rate the same as last year, at 0.5562. Romero said council recommended it stay the same. “The TIRZ [tax increment reinvestment zone] rate shrank,” Romero said. “That was mostly attributed to some land in the TIRZ that was acquired by the state, it became non-taxable property.” Revenue overall should increase about about $17,000 if the rate stays the same, Romero said, from $1.25 million to $1.27 million. He added that the county recommended they take an effective tax rate at four cents higher than the current rate, saying they would be losing revenue if they do not. “The tax rate doesn’t take into account delinquent collections, it doesn’t take into account people who have contested their taxes, any lawsuits pending or litigation,” Romero said. “We budget for the number that the county gives us that is the anticipated collections.” Budget committee member John Womack was present at the workshop, and said that no resident wants higher taxes. “But by the same token, and what I’ve been able to observe, if there’s any kind of bump in the road, you don’t have much of a cushion,” Womack said. “You’ve been very successful in running the city thus far with the assets you have.” Womack said that since Mayor Rigo Lopez has been in office, the fire and police departments have expanded, the library has been kept in “tip-top shape” and there are good employees and staff working on the streets. “Moving forward, you’ve done a lot of great things,” Womack said. “If there’s any kind of a hiccup… you may want to go out there and throw a couple of pennies to give yourself a little bit of breathing room. But you don’t have much of a reserve.” In terms of the debt service fund, Peñitas has $271,397 (in cents, it’s $0.13 from the property tax income) owed for the sewer plant. Lopez asked about this amount, wondering why the ad valorem is at the rate it is. “That’s what Mayor [Marcos] Ochoa committed us to with the sewer plant,” Romero responded. “Since taking office you [Lopez] raised it ten cents. The reason it was raised is because when the sewer plant was put into operation, the prior council never raised the ad valorem to meet the ad valorem commitment that was made to USDA to pay for the note.” Romero said the sewer plant was the only ad valorem the city has currently. Lopez clarified that because of the ad valorem, Peñitas has been running on about 0.42 cents in property taxes. Romero said that in terms of sales tax, Peñitas has seen a five percent sales tax increase every year for a few years. “We’re going to forecast the same five percent increase,” Romero said. “I know we have a couple of different economic development entities coming into the area, obviously we will try to adjust [the rate] once we know what their sales are, but we feel a five percent increase is a good number to stay at.” Romero said the franchise tax collections will be staying the same, but Peñitas expects an increase in the next fiscal year because

page 5

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

of Las Alturas de Peñitas, a skilled-nursing and longterm care retirement community that is currently being built in the city (and expected to open in early 2020) that should create 150 jobs. The total city budget for 2019-2020 is expected to be $3.54 million, with a variance of about $18. “It is a draft budget, we still are going through and tracking things down,” Romero said.

“I think you guys are right on the number,” Womack added. “That’s the line, and you’re there. You guys have indicated in some of the discussions that you want to scrub the budget a little bit, but there’s some money to be found. The west, here, now is the time for expansion and growth, and you’re seizing the moment. The city is investing in itself, and that’s a good sign for someone coming in.”

AREA'S BEST BUSINESS REVIEW

PRESENTED BY METRO NEWS ©2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1-918-234-7768 HOME DEPOT, located at 120 S Shary Rd in Mission, phone (956) 583-4194, has become known as the do-it-yourself headquarters in this community. Whatever your hardware requirement may be, you’ll find it here. They feature hand tools, electrical and plumbing fixtures, power tools, lawn and garden supplies and much more, all at very reasonable prices. At HOME DEPOT, the service is always courteous and you can count on their help in selecting the appropriate items for any application. Whether you’re building a cabinet or staining the backyard fence, their experienced personnel will assist you in selecting the proper tools and supplies. The management of this well- respected store likes to feel that its good reputation is based on person service as well as durable hardware items. Quality name brand products, sensible working man’s prices and superior service are three great reasons to rely on HOME DEPOT for all your hardware needs. We, the editors of this 2019 Area’s Best Business Review, wish to take this opportunity to recommend this well established firm to all of our readers.

New City of Mission Administration Proposes a

7.2% Property Tax Increase!

Beto Salinas, Ex-Mayor of Mission says this is what happens when people who do not understand how to manage a City get into office. We have spent a lifetime lowering the tax rate so that more people could afford to purchase a home. The City of Mission is part of the McAllen, Edinburg, Mission Metropolitan Statistical Area which is one of the poorest areas in the State. Forty percent of the families in Hidalgo County live on an income that is below poverty. It sounds simple to say, we are only going to increase property taxes by 3.5 cents, but if the existing tax rate is 48 cents, the total City tax rate becomes 52 cents and that is a big deal especially if it is unnecessary. When your mortgage company tells you that the City tax has increased by 7.2% no one is going to say, “no big deal”. My response to the new administration is live within the budget just like everybody else.

Impact of City of Mission 7.2% Tax Rate Increase Home Value $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $200,000 $300,000

Existing Rate 0.4862 29.17 38.90 48.62 97.24 145.86

Tax Increase Increase Tax 0.5212 0.5212 50.17 31.27 66.90 41.70 83.62 52.12 167.24 104.24 250.86 156.36

This chart shows the dollar value increase that would occur if the proposed City of Edcouch 0.9687 rate is approved. I’m concerned by the property value increases by City of Elsa 0.8822 unavoidable the Hidalgo County Appraisal District City of Progreso 0.8129 which will be about 10-15% and then by the tax increase by the City of Donna 0.798855 compounded county to cover the debt expense of the City of La Villa 0.7836 $418.6 Million court house and the $190 Million drainage bond that was passed City of Mercedes 0.745 earlier this year. The combination of these City of San Juan 0.6993 increases is going to be devastating to a population that is barely making ends City of Weslaco 0.6667 meet. This new administration does not City of Pharr 0.649 understand that families must pay all taxes and every increase may lead to families City of Edinburg 0.635 losing their home. City of Alamo 0.5817 This chart shows how my administration was successful in keeping Mission’s City of La Joya 0.5668 property taxes low while being one of the City of Penitas 0.5562 largest communities in Hidalgo County. Currently the Mission tax rate is among Mission / 3.5 increase 0.5212 the lowest in the County. Only the City of City of Palmview 0.5001 McAllen is lower among the larger communities. City of Sullivan City 0.5000 If the tax rate is increased by 3.5 cents, City of Mission 0.4862 the City of Mission will become one of the highest taxed cities in the county. City of McAllen 0.479234 It is important that people participate City of Granjeno 0.4607 in the governmental process and when a 7.2% increase is proposed they MUST City of Alton 0.4440 SAY “NO”. Go to the public meetings City of Hidalgo 0.3514 and say we want the tax rate to stay the same as last year, we will not pay more! We can resolve the problem of increasing taxes on the Citizens of Mission simply by eliminating the newly hired employees that were unnecessary, along with every department scathing back 10%, with the exception of Police and Fire, to reduce the debt.

Appraisal District 2019

highest to lowest

POLITICAL AD PAID BY BETO SALINAS.

SPORTSweek

Luciano Guerra

September 21, 2018

page 6

Sports Editor

THE

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

www.ptrgv.com/sports

September 13, 2019

BIG7 SCHOOLS

Eagles set to descend on Diamondbacks By John Hamann

For the third week in a row Sharyland ISD’s Richard Thompson Stadium will be the site of a highly anticipated matchup between two of the Valley’s top football teams. Harlingen High defeated Sharyland Pioneer in a 42-41 thriller there to open the season on August 30 before McAllen Memorial showed up and beat the Sharyland Rattlers 51-10 last week. The Mission Eagles (2-0) take the short trip across town tonight in hopes of recording another visiting team victory at the stadium and remain undefeated in the early stages of the 2019 campaign. It won’t be easy. The Diamondbacks of Sharyland Pioneer (1-1) will be lying in wait when the Eagles swoop in, hoping to strike back after a tough 21-17 loss in their 2018 meeting and attempting to keep the momentum from their big win over La Joya Juarez-Lincoln last week going. These are two teams with lots of experienced players returning from successful 2018 seasons. They both have the potential to win their respective districts this year and go on long post season runs. Most of the stars from last year’s meeting are back too. Mission quarterback Jeremy Duran was called to duty early in that contest when their starter went down due to injury. His two touchdown passes put the Eagles up 14-3. Horacio Moronta’s late fourth quarter touchdown run secured the victory for the Eagles after the Diamondbacks had rallied to take a 17-14 lead. Sharyland Pioneer quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger was a part of that rally. Marburger passed for 169 yards with a touchdown to Lavar Lindo and rushed for 51 yards and a TD. The Diamondbacks drove into Mission territory after Moronta’s score looking to win the game before the Eagle defense held. Both offenses have started 2019 on fire. The Eagles have scored 92 points in their first

Edinburg

HUSKIES

BOBCATS

name, utilizing a lethal combination of Marburger and an array of receivers for him to choose from. Marburger has passed for over 300 yards in each of Pioneer’s first two games and thrown for a whopping 11 touchdowns. Six of those came against Harlingen. Five different receivers have scored via a Marburger throw so far this year. Allen Davila has caught three touchdown passes. Luke Padilla, Tristan Castillo, Gavin De la Garza and Lindo all have two apiece. Marburger keeps defenses on the defensive with his legs too. He rushed for 131 yards against Harlingen. Pioneer coach Tom Lee spoke about his offense. “We’ve got a good group and we’ve been clicking early,” he said. Defensively the edge should probably go

Progress Times photo by: Luciano Guerra.

Pioneer junior quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger goes up and over a Juarez-Lincoln defender to score a touchdown during the second quarter of the Diamondbacks’ 57-21 victory over the Huskies.

Thurs. 7:00 pm

Juarez-Lincoln

two games while the Diamondbacks have totaled 98. For Mission, Duran has eclipsed 200 yards passing in both of the Eagles victories, including a three touchdown performance in their season opening 37-0 win over Mission Veterans. Mission doesn’t just strike from the air either. Moronta has run for over 100 yards in each of the team’s first two games and scored four touchdowns in a 55-8 win last week over Donna North. Steve Villarreal had a 100 yard receiving performance and a touchdown against Donna North. Mission coach Koy Detmer likes how his backs have performed and credited Duran with getting multiple players involved in the passing game. The Diamondbacks are living up to their

to Mission. The Eagles have given up only 8 points so far this season and held each of their opponents to less than 200 yards per game. “They’ve been outstanding from the start,” said Detmer. “That shutout (against a high powered Mission Veterans offense) was outstanding.” Donna North managed only 88 yards against the unit last week Amazingly the Eagles defense has yet to record a takeaway, but Detmer credited their ability to get the ball back to the offense, often in favorable field position. On the other side don’t discount Pioneer’s ability to stop you despite having surrendered 70 points in their first two games. “When you have an offense that scores as much as we do it puts them (the defense) on the field a lot,” said Lee. “But it’s a good problem to have.” The Pioneer defense has recorded six takeaways in their first two games. A fumble recovery along with a couple of fourth down stops against Juarez-Lincoln in the first quarter last week created a short field for the offense which, in turn, led to 18 points in their 57-28 victory. Despite the early season success, both teams’ coaches know there is plenty of football left to be played this year. For Mission, this is their last non-district game. A bye week follows and then the highly competitive District 30-6A games begin. Still Detmer is not looking ahead. “We’re still taking it one week at a time and looking for improvement,” he said. “We don’t want to see the same mistakes showing up (week after week).” Coach Lee, a Mission High grad and former coach of the Eagles, is putting this game in perspective too. “We’re both (Mission and Pioneer) just trying to get better each week. We both have aspirations to go far in the playoffs,” he said. “For me that’s what it’s about.” Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm tonight at Sharyland ISD’s Richard Thompson Stadium.

THIS WEEK’S GAMES - WEEK #2 AT

Thurs. 7:00 pm

Mission Veterans

PATRIOTS

Friday 7:30 pm

Browsville Veterans

CHARGERS

Palmview

LOBOS

PALMVIEW LOBOS

Friday 7:30 pm

Browsnville Porter

COWBOYS

Mission

EAGLES

Friday 7:30 pm

Sharyland Pioneer

D-BACKS

Sharyland

La Joya

RATTLERS

COYOTES

JUAREZ-LINCOLN HUSKIES

#21 Carlos Pena

#13 Alek Cantu

#15 Alexis Gonzalez

#8 Isaac Villanueva

#44 Alex Valladares

#66 Israel Monsivaiz

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

Good Luck To All Big 7 Teams!

Political ad paid by candidate.

MISSION EAGLES

#9 Horacio Moronta OFFENSE

#10 Fabian Ahumada #14 Louis Rene Rodriguez DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

SHARYLAND RATTLERS

#11 Kevin Chavez

#24 Lupe Treviño

#20 Gavin George

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

SPECIAL TEAMS

Go Diamondbacks & Rattlers!

Thank you Sharyland ISD School Board for Supporting our Athletes!

September 13, 2019

page 7

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Football returns with two Big 7 clashes tonight Just two weeks into the Valley high school football season, only two of the seven Mission, Sharyland and La Joya ISD football teams, the Big 7, remain undefeated. The La Joya Coyotes and the Mission Eagles are those two teams and with the Coyotes and the Eagles going up against the Sharyland Rattlers and the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks respectively tonight, they will both have to earn the right to go 3-0. With two of the Big 7 teams having played their Week 3 games last night, the Mission Veterans Patriots and Brownsville Veterans and the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies at the Edinburg Bobcats, and with four of the remaining Big 7 teams going head to head against each other, there are only three games featuring one or more Big 7 teams on tonight’s schedule. And with the Mission Eagles at the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks game being our Game of the Week, which is being previewed separately, we will be taking a look at the other two Big 7 games being played under the Friday night lights here. Sharyland Rattlers at La Joya Coyotes In a game played at Richard Thompson Stadium last year, La Joya jumped out to a 31-0 third quarter lead over Sharyland before the Rattlers finally broke into the end zone in the fourth quarter to make the score 31-7; which as it turns out, was the final score of the game. Of course the Rattlers were coming off two hard fought overtime games when they took on the Coyotes last year and while they did lose to Brownsville Hanna the following week,

they turned things around quickly after the loss to the Golden Eagles to win all six of their District 31-5A-II match-ups and their bi-district playoff game against San Antonio Somerset. So far the Rattlers are pretty much replicating their 2018 season with a win over Brownsville Pace and a loss to McAllen Memorial. However while it took overtime for the Mustangs to pull out a win over the Rattlers last year, Memorial dominated last week’s rematch to win in a laugher by a score of 51-10. It’s hard to say at this point if that lopsided score is more of an indicator of how much better Memorial is this year than they were last year or how much worse the Rattlers are, but if Sharyland can bounce back and pull off an undefeated district season this year like they did last, nobody will care how badly they lost to Memorial. As for the Coyotes, they’re coming off back-toback wins against the Palmview Lobos (13-12) and the Roma Gladiators (30-6). Against Roma it was junior fullback Rudy Olivarez and junior running back Anselmo Davila who led the way offensively for La Joya. Olivarez ran for 120 yards on 10 carries and scored two touchdowns. One of those TDs was for 73 yards which gave the Coyotes a 16-0 second quarter lead. In total, Davila carried the ball 22 times for 103 yards and one touchdown against Roma. Defensively, senior free safety Jacob Gonzalez had an interception while sophomore defensive back Salvador Carmona recovered a Gladiators’ fumble for the Coyotes. So what should the Rattlers’ defense expect from the Coyotes’ offense? The fact that the Coyotes have

passed for a grand total of only five yards so far this season should pretty much answer that question. But knowing what a team will do and stopping them from doing it are two different matters. Whether or not Coach Ron Adame’s defense manages to stop Coach Reuben Farias’ running game will go a long way towards determining which team is celebrating and which team is licking their wounds when the game clock ticks down to double zeroes at the end of the fourth quarter. Palmview Lobos at Brownsville Porter Cowboys Last year the Palmview Lobos defeated the Porter Cowboys by a score of 3527. The Lobos went on to post a 6-3 District 31-5A-I record and qualify for the UIL state playoffs in their first season back as a 5A team after spending the prior four seasons as a member of 30-6A. So far this season the Lobos are 0-2 with a non-district loss to the La Joya Coyotes (13-12) in Week 1 and a district loss at the hands of the Rio Grande City Rattlers (43-34) last week. Against Rio Grande, the Lobos were led offensively by junior running back Carlos Peña who ran all over the Rattlers’ defense for 332 rushing yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns. Incredibly, Peña had touchdown runs of 80, 92 and 62 yards against Rio. Senior fullback Adrian Vasquez scored the Lobos’ two other touchdowns as he had 56 yards rushing on 12 attempts. However, despite the fact that Palmview racked up 493 yards of total offense against the Rattlers, it was not enough to pull out a win in what was a back and forth

WEEK 1 LA JOYA COYOTES

game which was not decided until a last minute Palmview drive was brought to an end when Rio Grande’s Allen Garcia intercepted a pass with seven seconds remaining on the clock. Porter is 1-1 so far in this young season with a non-district, overtime win over the Port Isabel Tarpons (21-14) in Week 1 and a district loss at the hands of the Brownsville Pace Vikings (17-14) last week. While calling this a mustwin game for Palmview is a bit of a reach, Coach Margarito ‘Mage’ Requenez certainly doesn’t want to see his Lobos go 0-2 in district play. Doing so will make it extremely difficult for them to make it five playoff appearances in the six years of his Progress Times photo by: Mario Magallon. tenure as the Palmview head Robert Mancha, QB, #8, finds the end zone late in football coach. the game. But it was not enough, the Rattlers fell Both of these games are to McAllen Memorial 51-10. scheduled to kick-off at 7:30 tonight.

2019

By Luciano Guerra

FOOTBALL

Lupe Lopez

Week #0

Week #1

WINNER

Last Week’s Games Week #1

HUSKIES

Mission Veterans

vs.

Mission

vs.

Donna North

McAllen Mem.

51 30

vs.

Sharyland

vs.

MUSTANGS La Joya

COYOTES Rio Grande City

RATTLERS

vs.

PATRIOTS

CHIEFS

OVERALL STANDINGS

Juarez-Lincoln

vs.

EAGLES

48 8

10 Roma GLADIATORS 6

Season 2-0

Palmview

LOBOS

Season 2-0 District 0-0

Season 1-1

Season 0-2

District 0-0

RATTLERS

District 0-0

V Season 1-1

District 0-0

District 1-0

Sponsored by Jerry Saenz, Agent

1211 Conway Ave • Mission TX 956-585-2715

Your Full-Service Local Pharmacy and so much more!

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE!

FRIENDLY SERVICE

McALLEN – A family-friendly day for celebrating all things birds across the world is being held at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission is $3 per person. Quinta Mazatlan’s World Migratory Bird Day will include activities for all age groups and levels of expertise. Experience can start with a bird walk, bird banding with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) professionals, talks, native plant sales, arts and crafts and special programs for tots and families. Tony Henehan with TPWD will be giving a hummingbird banding demonstration starting at 8:30 a.m. Visitors can start off their own backyard bird habitat with Heep’s Native Plant Nursery’s plant sale. A guided walk on “Birding at Feeders” takes place at 9 a.m., the attend the presentation by John Brush on “Bird-ify Your Space” at 9:30 a.m. The event will feature a variety of fun and educational activities including Nature Nuggets for Tots at 10 a.m. and Creature Feature for Families at 11 a.m. on why birds migrate. Explore the Bird Fact Museum full of information,

Yellow Warbler

then create an up-cycled bird feeder for to take home. There will also be venues to create personal art featuring Valley birds, along with activities to earn Scout badges. This year’s theme is, “Protect Birds: Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution.” An estimated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic has been produced since its introduction in the 1950s. Ninety-one percent of plastic is not recycled, but rather discarded as waste, accumulating in landfills and the natural environment. Visitors can learn more about steps that can be taken to reduce and reuse everyday plastic. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 956-681-3370.

MEMORIES Country-Little Bit old Rock & Roll-Tejano

Store Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

COME CHECK OUT

our line of diabetic shoes

Alberto Vela, R. Ph.

Fred Moron, R. Ph.

1242 E. Bus. 83, #7 Mission, TX

2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. Mission, TX

956-583-2700

World Migratory Bird Fest planned for Sept. 14

Music for all occasions

in 10 minutes or less, with refill service by phone or online Specialty Compounding Available

from an experienced and caring team of pharmacists and technicians

Genesis Garza Salazar, Miss Texas Teen World America 2019 (left), and Lucy Lopez, Miss Texas World America 2019, were recently crowned at a pageant held in McAllen and will now be competing at the Miss World America and Miss Teen World America with two final events on Oct. 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lopez, of Brownsville, is a communication major at the University of Texas at Austin, and is the daughter of Leo and Elia Cornejo Lopez. Garza Salazar, of McAllen, was crowned as the 2019 Miss Texas Teen World America. A senior at McAllen High School, she is the daughter of Armando and Anna Marie Garza. For more information about Miss World pageants, contact Della Fay Perez, Texas director, at 956-867-0755.

BAND

FAST TURNAROUND! WE ACCEPT ANY INSURANCE WE OFFER FREE HOME DELIVERY!

Headed to national Miss World America pageant

956-581-5499

Meme Rendon 956-289-0767

Rick Sanchez 956-529-6061

September 13, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

‘Miguel Hidalgo el insurrecto’ remembered at PTC

“Relampago” Created by Judge Margarito Garza; art by Sam González, 1977

Latinx Comic Book exhibit comes to STC Sept. 15

MCALLEN – As part of South Texas College’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, STC’s Center for Mexican American Studies, along with the college’s history department and Library Art Gallery, present a Latinx Comic Book Exhibit featuring the work of five artists beginning Sept. 15. The exhibit will be on display Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 in the Pecan Campus Library Rainbow Room. The exhibit, curated by José Alaniz, professor in the Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures and the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Washington in Seattle, will include 16 posters by five artists. Alaniz chaired the executive committee of the International Comic Arts Forum (ICAF), a U.S. Comics Stud-

ies Conference from 2011 to 2017, and is a founding board member of the Comics Studies Society. His current projects include a history of Czech comics and a study of Chicano/a art’s intersections with comics. Alaniz also makes comics. His work appeared in the 2018 collection “Tales From La Vida: A Latinx Comics Anthology.” He will present his lecture entitled, “’…And I Don’t Plea Bargain!’: RELAMPAGO AND CRIME,” on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Rainbow Room located on the second floor of the library at STC’s Pecan campus. For more information, contact Trinidad Gonzalez at tgonzale@southtexascollege.edu or visit library. southtexascollege.edu/newsevents/libraryartgallery/.

McALLEN – The Valley Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Peter Dabrowski have announced the launch of the 2019-20 concert season, “Symphony by Design.” The season includes the five concert series package that opens on Sept. 27 with “Back to School,” a concert of academic celebration featuring internationally-renowned pianist Alex Slobodyanik. The season also includes symphonic performances of music from the James Bond films (Oct. 25) and a guest appearance from UTRGV’s Ballet Folklorico (Dec. 13). All five concerts will be held

at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, 801 Convention Center Blvd in McAllen on Friday evenings from 8 to 10 p.m. Maestro Dabrowski also announced that special guests Mariachi Aztlan will perform as part of the March 27 season finale concert. “Mariachi Aztlan is one of the best ensembles in the United States, and we are thrilled that they will be performing with our orchestra,” said Dabrowski. Katy Coy, VSO executive director, announced that this year a three-concert subscription option is being of-

PHARR – A monologue about Father Miguel Hidalgo written by Mercedes Varela will be performed in Spanish by Pedro Garcia in full costume as Miguel Hidalgo at Pharr Community Theater. Three performances will be held on Monday, Sept. 16, at Pharr Community Theater at 213 W. Newcombe Ave., Pharr. Show times are 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. The 20-minute performance will describe pivotal moments in the movement for Mexico’s independence and about Hidalgo’s life, including the yell for independence, el grito. A pre-show of classical guitar will be performed by Micaela Miranda currently studying classical guitar at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The program is directed by Seres Jaime Magaña. Tickets are $8 and available at the theater one hour before each show. The production is equivalent to a PG film.

Although Mexico’s independence from Spain did not come until 1821, 10 years after the execution of Father Hidalgo, he is hailed as “El Padre de La Patria/The Father of a Nation.” Born in 1753 in what was then Pénjamo, Viceroyalty of New Spain, and today, Guanajuato, Mexico, his parents were well-to-do criollos born of Spanish descent. At the age of 23 he was a teacher of philosophy and theology, later ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest in 1778 at the age of 25. Famous for his grito de Dolores, the battle cry for independence in the early morning of September 15, according to Varela from Reynosa Tamaulipas, Mexico, at one time his army rose to nearly 100,000 insurgents. The show is also available for classroom, library and museum tours during the month of September. For more information, call 956239-0412 or 956-655-9308.

Pedro Garcia as Father Miguel Hidalgo

Micaela Miranda

VSO Launches 2019-20 season with new option fered. “Our patrons have been asking for a more flexible option, and we are pleased to offer a package this year that includes the music of the James Bond and Indiana Jones films, plus our beloved “A Touch of Frost,” said Coy. The three-concert, $125 package is now available. The five-concert season tickets start at $170, and seats in all sections are still available. Subscriber benefits include a guaranteed annual seat reservation period ahead of the general public, first notice on all upgrades, exclusive guest artist infor-

Sunday Service Times: Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Wednesday Services: Adults, Teens, Kids 7:00 PM

mation and content, no hassle ticket replacements for lost or misplaced tickets and more. This season’s entire lineup includes the Back to School concert, Sept. 27, featuring Alex Slobodyanik; Oct. 25, James Bond Meets Brahms; Dec. 13, A Touch of Frost; Feb. 28, Indiana Jones and the Wild West; and March 27, Designed by Dabrowski, the VSO season finale. For a season subscription, or more information, to go valleyorchestra.org or call 956-661-1615.

page 9

Coming Attractions

September 14 • The Life Drawing Group at the Upper Valley Art League in Mission will be showing what they have accomplished over the past year in an exhibition entitled “Language of Line.” The free exhibition will open with a reception at the Upper Valley Art League, 921 East 12th Street in Mission, from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited. The exhibit will run through Oct. 9 in the UVAL gallery. • The Museum of South Texas History will extend its normal free Saturday morning hours all day for the public to explore newly-restored 1910 jail, and, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct.15, they will present a spotlight exhibit featuring artifacts and images from the museum’s collection that tell a part of the greater story of “Farm to Market” history. The museum is seeking public additional artifacts, images and oral histories for its collections to tell and preserve a broader story of the farm worker experience. There will be opportunities for the public to share their experiences as farm workers. MOSTHistory is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. For more information, call 956-383-6911. September 15 • Nickelodeon star and YouTube sensation JoJo Siwa is coming to Bert Ogden Arena with Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. – The Tour. Tickets are available at bertogdenarena.com with a range of prices from general admission to the Kids in a Candy Store VIP Package. The arena is located at 4900 S. I-69 in Edinburg. Call 956-562-7362 for more information. • Featuring music ranging from magical to maniacal and hilarious to harrowing, pianist Dr. Brendan Kinsella performs a “one-man band” voice, piano, and multi-media music event for the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse’s “Creative Imperatives” series. The performance is at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. Admission is free. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881. September 18 • The UTRGV Center for Latin American Arts will host a grand opening reception at 5:30 p.m. in the UTRGV library (ELIBR2.114) on the Edinburg campus at 1201 W. University Dr. The Center for Latin American Arts (CLAA) advances scholarship, performances, and the exhibition of arts in the popular, folk, and academic traditions from the United States and Spanish and Portuguese speaking worlds. Learn more at utrgv.edu/claa. September 19 • Join Dr. Kurt Martinez as he performs a program consisting of contemporary music for guitar and featuring compositions by Carlos Aguirre, Quique Sinesi, Jose Maria Gallardo and Edin Solis. He will be performing at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. Admission is free. For special accommodations, call 956-882-7025. • Gladys Porter Zoo and Brownsville Beer Fest invited the public to the annual Brew at the Zoo, 6 to 9 p.m. At the age 21 and over fundraising event, guests will sample selected premium and craft beers paired with food tastings from area chefs. Guests can take part in games such as a beer pong tournament and jumbo jenga. GPZ member tickets are $20 pre-sale or $25 on event day. Nonmember tickets are $25 pre-sale and $30 on event day. Tickets are available online at gpz.org. GPZ is located at 500 Ringgold St. Call 956-546-7187 for information. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)

page 10

September 13, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

Former La Joya ISD superintendent is new owner of Mission eatery By Jose De Leon III

Alda T. Benavides at Victoria’s Tea Room. Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III .

Three months after stepping down from the La Joya school district’s top job, former district superintendent Alda T. Benavides is enjoying retirement as she flexes her business skills. Last week, Benavides officially began working as the owner of Victoria’s Tea Room, a Mission eatery she runs alongside her two sons. “I’ve always wanted to open something like this, especially in the La Joya area,” Benavides said. “When I found out this place was for sale I thought ‘why not run this? It’s already set up and I won’t have to start a business from the ground up.’” Victoria’s Tea Room has been in existence since 2002 and moved to a new location two years ago at 2714 N. Conway Ave. It offers a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches and a store that sells tea sets and other trinkets in a setting Benavides described as quaint and cozy. “I’ve been coming here since it opened in 2002 with my friends and always kept

coming back,” Benavides said. “There’s excellent chicken salads, salads, soups and no fried foods. As someone who has always been weight and health conscious, it’s a place where my family and I have been going to because it’s healthy.” Benavides said she first inquired about purchasing Victoria’s Tea Room in midJune, a few weeks before she was set to retire from the La Joya school district. Benavides announced her plans to retire from the district last February after three decades with the district, and accepting a $476,000 severance agreement. As previously reported, the agreement came with a non-disclosure clause that prevented her and anyone with the district from discussing the agreement. “[Running Victoria’s Tea Room] doesn’t feel like a job compared to being in charge of 4,300 employees and 27,000 kids. It’s very peaceful,” Benavides said when asked to compare her new duties with that of her old job. “It’s a different kind of stress that’s not stressful so

it’s pleasant and enjoyable. I loved my job but this is different.” As superintendent, Benavides’s tenure at the school district included opening three early college high school campuses, opening a college and career center that graduated over 2,000 students that had previously dropped out of school, and opening a district wellness and health center to promote a healthy lifestyle among students and staff. Benavides said that with the healthy menu provided by Victoria’s Tea Room, she gets to continue promoting a healthy lifestyle. “There’s not that many places that cater to healthy eating and don’t offer fried foods,” Benavides said. “Getting into good health habits is important and I’ve always been one to provide for the community and I do believe this is a way to help.” Despite the new ownership, Benavides says she has no plans to change anything and still employs Violeta Garcia, who has served as the tea room’s cook for the

last 12 years and is responsible for the eatery’s famous enchilada soup. Victoria’s Tea Room has a general dining area and a separate dining area to host special occasions and recently installed Wi-Fi so customers can work in the cozy environment Victoria’s Tea Room provides. “Today’s age is hectic and rushed and people seldom have time to just enjoy,” Benavides said. “I would like people to come in and say ‘We had a nice, peaceful lunch with good company’ and to bring their friends to enjoy themselves.” Benavides said she plans to reach out to the local school districts in the area to provide internship or employment opportunities for culinary students. “This gives the opportunity to try something different and exciting but most importantly, I am blessed to work alongside my sons while I continue to contribute to my community and expand my personal and professional networks, she said.

A year later, drunken driving case against Palmview mayor remains in limbo By Dave Hendricks Nearly a year after his arrest, the drunken driving charge against Palmview

Palmview Mayor Rick Villarreal. Photo courtesy City of Palmview.

Mayor Rick Villarreal remains in limbo. A state trooper arrested Ricardo “Rick” Villarreal, 49, of Palmview on Sept. 15, 2018. Nearly a year later, however, prosecutors haven’t taken case to court. “We’re still waiting on toxicology results,” said Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez. When the state trooper stopped Villarreal for speeding at about 10:45 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2018, the trooper “observed signs of possible impairment,” according to the criminal complaint. Villarreal performed a standard field sobriety test but refused to provide a breath sample. After the trooper requested a warrant, Villarreal provided a blood

sample at Mission Regional Medical Center. Attorney Rick Salinas of Mission, who represented Villarreal after the arrest, said he didn’t know why the District Attorney’s Office requested a toxicology report. Prosecutors need to know the defendant’s blood alcohol concentration, Salinas said, adding that it’s difficult to proceed without it. A motorist with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 may be charged with driving while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor. The charge becomes a Class A misdemeanor if the blood alcohol concentration is 0.15 or higher. A complete toxicology report may reveal if Villarreal had ingested other sub-

stances, including prescription medications and illegal drugs. “I don’t know why they would have asked for toxicology reports,” Salinas said. “That’s not something that we typically see.” Salinas said he hadn’t been informed about the request for a full toxicology report. “All I can tell you is that if they come back with anything other than alcohol, I’m going to say they need to throw that (expletive) out,” Salinas said, adding later: “Why are you searching for anything else? Where did they get the probable cause to do that?” The District Attorney’s Office normally accepts or declines prosecution of

drunken driving cases within a few months of the arrest. Hours after the state trooper arrested Villarreal, a state trooper arrested Bianca Martinez, 23, of McAllen on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The District Attorney’s Office accepted the case, which was filed in Hidalgo County Court at Law #2 on Sept. 19 — just three days after her arrest. Martinez pleaded guilty in February and a judge placed her on community supervision for 180 days. Another person arrested that day, 38-year-old Olivero Cantu Alaniz of Edinburg, had a driving while intoxicated charge filed against him in Hidalgo County Court at Law #4 on Nov. 5. The

case against Alaniz remains pending. Under normal circumstances, prosecutors don’t request a full toxicology report on a blood sample from a drunken driving arrest, said former Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra. The District Attorney’s Office might request a toxicology report if the initial test didn’t show any alcohol or if someone suggests that prescription medication contributed to the appearance of intoxication, among other reasons. “That’s not normal,” Guerra said, adding that he didn’t understand why the case had remained pending for nearly a year. “I think the DA’s Office should have filed the case a long time ago.”

After 17-month suspension, Palmview Police Department may resume asset forfeiture program By Dave Hendricks After a 17-month suspension, the U.S. Department of Justice may allow the Palmview Police Department to resume participation in a federal asset forfeiture program. The Department of Justice suspended Palmview from the program in April 2018, when the city self-reported improper spending by the police department. “There’s been no penalty. There’s been no fines,” said City Attorney Eric Flores, who discussed the program with the City Council on Tuesday night. “They’ve just asked the city to move some funds back into the asset forfeiture program.” To fix the problem, Flores said the Department of Justice and the U.S. Trea-

sury Department suggested the city transfer roughly $250,000 from the general fund to the asset forfeiture account. “We’re not paying it back to the DOT or the DOJ, what’s happening is we’re just moving it back to our program,” Flores said. “So that money will be accessible to use instantly by the police department.” Where the City Council, which is struggling to balance the budget and build a healthy fund balance, will find roughly $250,000 remains unclear. Money placed in the asset forfeiture account is subject to special restrictions and may only be spent on certain law enforcement expenditures. “We’re not doing that

Friday Night Lights on Facebook

Follow all the action, plus local news stories every week.

/ProgressTimes

Follow Us on Facebook for Friday Night Football Scores and Updates This week the Progress Times will be covering the following football games: Mission Eagles at Sharyland Pioneer (Richard Thompson Stadium) Game starts at 7:30 pm Sharyland Rattlers at La Joya Coyotes (La Joya Stadium) Game starts at 7:30pm

yet,” said City Manager Michael Leo, referring to the roughly $250,000 transfer. “That’s the option that’s been provided to us.” Along with transferring the money, the federal government asked Palmview to hold an asset forfeiture training for city personnel. The federal government wants Palmview to meet both conditions before lifting the suspension, said police Chief Gilberto Zamora. Officials from the Department of Justice and the Treasury Department reached the roughly $250,000 figure by going “transaction by transaction” to determine whether or not the money had been spent appropriately. They want the city to reimburse the asset forfeiture account for expenditures that didn’t meet program requirements. Expenditures flagged by city Finance Director Rachel Chapa included transfers from the asset forfeiture account in 2014 and 2015, which allowed Palmview to balance the city budget; travel expenses for non-law enforcement personnel and money spent on city holiday parties, according to documents released under the Texas Public Information Act. “It’s been already about a year, year-and-a-half that we’ve gone through the process,” Zamora said. “So hopefully everything’s met and we get back reinstated, and moving on.” The City Council blamed the problems on the prior administration, including former police Chief Chris Barrera, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit in April. “And it does put a burden on us,” Flores said. “Yes, our police department is going to benefit by it, but now it’s an unplanned, unforeseen burden that’s suddenly placed on the city at a time when we’re constrained — with budget right around the corner. But I’m pretty optimistic between the city manager, Michael Leo, and his staff that we’re going to find a way to rectify their wrongdoing.”

September 13, 2019 from pg. 1

MCISD BOARD

from pg. 1

have Pre-K3, but we may be able to open up some programs at some other campuses that will have the combination of 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds together.” The teachers in those specific classrooms will receive the stipend, which will be $1,000 per semester, ($2,000 per year). The board of trustees approved salary increases for bus drivers working in the district. These changes result in MCISD having the best paid bus drivers in the area, according to Verley. Before the increase, the starting rate for drivers was $14.15 per hour, with a mid-

point at $16.75 and a maximum at $19.35 per hour. With the increase, the starting wage for bus drivers will be $15 per hour, with a midpoint at $18.54 and a maximum at $20.20 per hour. The hourly rate for substitute bus drivers will be $16 per hour. Verley noted that this increase was made due to a lack of bus drivers at MCISD - an issue plaguing districts across the Valley. “We are looking at a bus driver shortage right now, everybody is struggling to find more bus drivers,” Verley said. “This will make us much more competitive since we’re going to be lead-

ing the pack now in terms of salary, plus the other incentives that are in place for attendance and recruitment.” The district is aiming to provide a cost-savings for the district with this new salary increase. “If we get enough bus drivers, we’ll also be able to reduce the amount of overtime involved,” Verley said. “Right now, the overtime will cost probably more than what we’re going to be paying through the increased salaries.” The MCISD salary increases and stipends approved this week, along with the additional teacher sti-

pends and attendance incentives approved earlier this year, are all in an effort to not only draw in good educators and administrators, but to keep them at the district. “When it comes to our classroom teachers and other aspects, it’s not just about attracting the best employees we can, it’s about keeping our employees, because when you have quality employees you want to hang on to them,” Verley said. “And that’s what all of this is trying to hopefully address, so that we don’t lose our best to other districts.”

equipment, and keep those things going.” After he won the election, Gallardo directed the deputy constables to focus on serving court paperwork. “We are peace officers. We can patrol. We can investigate. We can do all these things,” Gallardo said, but deputy constables specialize in serving court paperwork and largely allow the Sheriff’s Office to handle law enforcement in rural areas. “So we try to take as much of that work away so they can concentrate more on patrol, investigations and the jail.” Gallardo, however, gradually expanded the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office. Along with serving court paperwork, deputy consta-

bles provide security at Anzalduas Park, partner with school districts to protect students, investigate illegal dumping and provide support to other law enforcement officers. The Precinct 3 Constable’s Office assigned a deputy to the local High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force and contracted with Hidalgo County Irrigation District #6 to patrol canals. Grants and partnerships allowed the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office to expand without asking Hidalgo County taxpayers for additional funding, Gallardo said. It now employs 17 law enforcement officers. After nearly two decades on the job, Gallardo is the

longest serving constable in Hidalgo County. He’s also become a member of state and national associations, where he provides advice to peers and speaks with lawmakers about the role constables play. The Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas named him constable of the year in 2007 and 2010. Gallardo serves as president of the Texas Association of Counties. “I love what I do. I think that we’ve done a great job over the years,” Gallardo said, adding that he attempted to set a high bar — and an example for other constables. “I just believe in what I do. I believe in the process. I believe in our county. I be-

lieve in county government.” Gallardo will run against La Joya police Officer Miguel Flores, 38, of Mission in the Democratic Party primary. Flores is perhaps best known for providing information to federal agents about the Panama Unit, a street-level narcotics squad that went rogue and started robbing drug smugglers. The Panama Unit investigation resulted in the conviction of seven sheriff’s deputies and two Mission police officers, including Jonathan Treviño, the son of then-Sheriff Lupe Treviño. Nov. 9 is the first day for candidates to file ballot applications for the March primary.

Notices

at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Silvestre Gonzalez SULLIVAN CITY – Silvestre Gonzalez, 55, passed away on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, in Edinburg. Jose Lozano MISSION – Jose Gregorio “Joe” Lozano, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at Mission Valley Nursing and Transitional Center. Juan Mendoza MISSION – Juan Mendoza, 81, passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at his home in Mission. Alejandro Morales PALMVIEW – Alejandro

Morales, 46, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at his home. Gregory Pate MISSION – Gregory “Greg” Thomas Pate, 56, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at his home in Mission. Antonia Perez MISSION – Antonia Perez, 85, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Solara Hospital in McAllen. Lyle Shaver MISSION – Lyle Shaver, 90, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Comfort House in McAllen. Francisco Solorzano MISSION – Francisco Solorzano, 75, passed away on

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Roberto Trigo MISSION – Roberto Trigo, 46, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Edelmiro Uresti MISSION – Edelmiro Uresti, 71, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, at his home in Mission. Juan Villarreal ALTON – Juan Villarreal, 81, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

from pg. 1

LARRY GALLARDO

Cesaria Anguiano MISSION – Cesaria Anguiano, 71, passed away on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at her home in Mission. Baby Isabella Borrego MISSION – Baby Isabella Inez Borrego, was stillborn on Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center. Freeland Gonzalez MISSION – Freeland Durant Gonzalez, 58, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, in McAllen. Robert Gonzalez MISSION – Robert Hobbs Gonzalez, 74, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019,

page 11

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

LYFT SMUGGLER

headed back toward Sullivan City. “He said it was his cousins,” the driver said, adding later: “So I just picked them up.” The “cousins” were actually Guatemalan citizens who illegally crossed the Rio Grande. They had wet, muddy shoes and dirty jeans. “OK, first of all, didn’t it seem kind of off to you that they’re wet from the clothes?” Rodriguez said. “That they’re muddy from the shoes? Anything like that?” The driver said he hadn’t asked them any questions. “That’s why I’m pretty nervous,” the driver said. “I don’t know these guys.” Officers remained skeptical, but Vigil told a similar story. “Mr. Vigil advised that he had hired the Lyft from his mother’s credit card and use (sic) his sister’s cellphone Lyft app to request the transport,” according to the criminal complaint against him. “Mr. Vigil also advised that

the Lyft driver had nothing to do with the smuggling.” Vigil also said that someone offered to pay him $250 per person for smuggling migrants. Officers released the Lyft driver with a warning. “My suggestion to you, man, is if you’re going to be doing this Lyft, at least be mindful of who you’re going to pick up” Rodriguez said. The Sullivan City Police Department contacted Border Patrol, which took custody of the Guatemalan migrants. Officers charged Vigil with smuggling of persons, a third-degree felony. If convicted, he faces 2 to 20 years in prison. The felony charge, however, apparently didn’t faze him. On April 22, two weeks after he was released from the Hidalgo County jail, Vigil posted a television news story about his arrest on Facebook — and tagged several friends.

page 12 from pg. 1

September 13, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

ENROLLMENT

increasingly compete for students. Nearly 1,200 students left the La Joya school district from the 2017-2018 school year to the 2018-2019 school year, according to Region One data reviewed by the school board last month. About 400 students who attended La Joya schools

went to Mission schools the following year. About 225 went to IDEA Public Schools. And nearly 155 went to Edinburg schools. La Joya also received about 890 students from other school districts. Region One counted 300 students from Mission, about 120 students from IDEA

Public Schools and nearly 100 students from Edinburg who switched to La Joya. La Joya had a net loss of nearly 290 students. Enrollment peaked during the 2013-2014 school year, when the La Joya school district had about 29,700 students, according to data reviewed by the school board.

By the 2018-2019 school year, enrollment had dropped to about 28,000 students. The number of teachers declined slightly. La Joya, however, hired a significant number of non-teaching staff despite the drop in enrollment. The number of non-teachers employed by the district

jumped from about 2,160 to about 2,300, according to data reviewed by the school board. Texas calculates school funding on a per-pupil basis, which means La Joya receives less money when enrollment drops. “We’re making a lot of efforts to look for students

that have not returned,” said Saenz, the La Joya Independent School District superintendent, when she briefed the school board last month. “And bring them back to La Joya ISD.”

BUY • SELL • TRADE • RENT • HIRE

THE CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED RATE: 1 Week = $7 Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are 2 Weeks = $10 Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573. Submit by email or pay

by phone 585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

ORDINANCE NO. 4823 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR SALE OF GASOLINE – CIRCLE K, 1900 W. MILE 3 ROAD, LOT 1, EZ CLEAN SUBDIVISION (U/R) READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4825 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS AMENDING ORDINANCE NO.780 DESIGNATING PLACES WHERE BEER AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY BE SOLD WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF MISSION TO INCLUDE THE PREMISES LOCATED AT 608 N. SHARY ROAD, UNITS 4 & 5, LOT 1, ALBA PLAZA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4824 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – EXTREME PIZZA, 608 N. SHARY ROAD, UNITS 4 & 5, LOT 1, ALBA PLAZA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Progress Times is made possible by our advertisers. Please frequent their businesses and tell them you saw their ad in the Progress Times. ORDINANCE NO. 4822

ORDINANCE NO. 4830

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING LOT 7, VILLA CAPRI SUBDIVISION, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO R-2 (DUPLEX-FOURPLEX RESIDENTIAL)

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE MISSION FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020

READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4832 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE MISSION POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020

READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4828 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS ADOPTING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4826 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – CRISTOBAL’S BAR & GRILL, 515 N. CONWAY AVENUE, LOT 10, BLOCK 92, MISSION ORIGINAL TOWNSITE READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

For the latest news and updates

4 Weeks = $14

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for an On Premise Wine and Beer Permit by Leo’s Express Drive Thru DBA Triple “L” Leonis, LLC, to be located at 124 W. Expressway 83, La Joya, TX 78560, Hidalgo County. Officer of said Limited Liability Company is Lita Leo, owner.

ORDINANCE NO. 4829 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS ADOPTING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4827 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF MISSION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2020; APPROPRIATING MONEY TO A DEBT SERVICE FUND TO PAY INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL DUE ON THE CITY’S INDEBTEDNESS; AND ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF MISSION FOR THE 2019 – 2020 FISCAL YEAR READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

September 13, 2019

page 13

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

BUY • SELL • TRADE • RENT • HIRE

THE CLASSIFIEDS

For Rent HOUSE FOR RENT, 2 Bedroom, 2914 N. Conway in Mission, TX, quiet area near Mims Elementary school, $625 plus deposit, for more details call 956-580-0377. 2BDR, 1BA, 8010 Military Rd. in Abram, TX, fully furnished, $150 deposit/$350 monthly, light not included, 2 recamaras, 1 baño ubicado 8010 Military Rd. in Abram, TX, amueblada, deposito $150/ $350 por mes, call 956-4245691.

For Sale HAPPY JACK FLEA Beacon, patented device controls fleas in the home without toxic chemicals or costly exterminators, results overnight, Southwest Hay & Feed, 956-5801717, (www.fleabeacon.com). USE DD-33 SPRAY to control fleas & ticks on dogs & cats, El Pase Feed Store, (www.kennelvax.com). USE PARACIDE SHAMPOO to control fleas & ticks on dogs & cats topically, eliminate doggy odor and restore healthy coat, Border Enterprises, 956487-2570, (www. kennelvax.com). Home For Sale 2BDR WITH option of 3rd BDR, 2 baths, 2 car garage in a 55+ community, EVR in Mission,

TX, ceramic tile throughout, ceiling fans, water softener system, all appliances, garage for 26’ motor home, and more, call 956-3215441. Garage Sale YARD SALE , Friday & Saturday, Sept.6-7th from 7:30am-3pm at 603 Nogales inside Tierra Linda in Palmview, TV’s, dishes, 2 sets of tires with rim, men, women & young men clothing, shoes and so much more. YARD SALE , Viernes y Sabado, Sept.6-7 de 7:30am-3pm en local 603 Nogales adentro de Tierra Linda en Palmview, televisiones, vasijas, llantas con rines, ropa de joven, mujer y

hombre, zapatos y mucho mas. Mobile Home 14x76, 2BDR/ 2BA Lancer Mobile Home for sale, TX room, carport, attached shed, metal roof, gated 55+Community in Mission, TX, must sell for health reasons, call 956-2490046 for more de-

tails. 2 BDR, 2 BA, with new updates, new flooring,countertops, cabinets, & water heater, recently inspected, stove & refrigerator included, located in Mobile Gardens Community Park in Mission, TX, can be moved, call 920492-9277.

JOB OPENING A temp-to-hire bookkeeper with at least 5 years’ experience in the following areas: QuickBooks payroll, bank reconciliations and posting invoices, journal entries, deposits and inventory in QuickBooks. Must have strong Microsoft Excel knowledge. Bookkeeper will assist with other duties as needed, including answering phone calls, making copies, filing and attending to customers. Applications may be picked up at Hidalgo County Irrigation District #6 3735 N FM 492, Mission, TX 78574. Equal Opportunity Employer. (956) 585-8389.

ORDINANCE NO. 4834 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 4305 AND ADOPTING A NEW ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A NO PARKING ZONE ON THE EAST AND WEST SIDE OF THE 2300 BLOCK OF ORANGE AVENUE FROM MONDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AT ANY TIME COMMENCING ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-TWO (182) FEET NORTH OF EAST GRIFFIN PARKWAY AND ENDING TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-TWO (282) FEET NORTH OF EAST GRIFFIN PARKWAY AND THE EXTENSION OF THE NO PARKING ZONE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE 2300 BLOCK OF ORANGE AVENUE FROM THIRTY (30) FEET TO FORTY (40) FEET COMMENCING AT EAST GRIFFIN PARKWAY; PROVIDING FOR INSTALLATION OF SAID TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES BEING NO PARKING ZONE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND PROPER SIGNAGE AND MARKINGS THEREOF AND MAKING PROVISIONS OF THE STATE TRANSPORTATION CODE AND TRAFFIC ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSION IN REGARD TO PENALTY FOR VIOLATION APPLICABLE THERETO READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Attention

Auction of Vehicles

According to the provision in the Transportation Code 683, Sub-section B, 683.012, Texas Department of Transportation informs you that the below mentioned cars have been taken into custody by the Sullivan City Police Department and will be sold at auction. For information on vehicles you can communicate with the Sullivan City Police Department at (956) 485-9208. The auction will be held at 500 South Cenizo Dr. Sullivan City, TX (The Police Department) on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Auction will be starting at 10:00 AM, and will be held according to the law. Payment will be in cash (US currency) or certified checks. Sullivan City reserves the right to accept the best and the most advantageous offers. The vehicles are auctioned under their conditions which there are no guarantees and/or refunds.

Atención

Subasta de Vehículos

De acuerdo a la disposición en el Código de Transportación 683, Sub sección B, 683.012, del Departamento de Transporte de Texas, informamos que los autos abajo mencionados han sido tomados en custodia por el Departamento de Policía de La Ciudad de Sullivan City y serán vendidos en subasta. Para información de los vehículos puede comunicarse al Departamento de Policía de Sullivan al (956) 485-9208. La subasta será en 500 South Cenizo Dr., Sullivan City, TX (El Departamento de Policía) el Sabado 21 de Septiembre del 2019. Inicio de subasta será a las 10:00 AM, y que será llevada de acuerdo a la ley. El pago será en efectivo (moneda americana) o cheques certificados. La Ciudad de Sullivan se reserva el derecho de aceptar la mejor y la más ventajosa de las ofertas. Los vehículos se subastaran en las condiciones que se encuentran no hay garantías ni devoluciones. 1. RED 1990 CHEVY PICK UP TRUCK 1GCDC14H7LZ236398 2. WHITE 1997 FORD TAURUS 1FALP52U6VG203548 3. BLACK 1997 FORD F150 1FTDX1764VKD12590 4. PURPLE 2000 FORD F150 1FTRX07W2YKA77806 5. MAROON 2001 CHEVY SUBURBAN* 1GNEC16T11J315140* 6. WHITE 2001 CHEVY TAHOE 1GNEC13TX1J179983 7. WHITE 2001 GMC YUKON 1GKEC13T51J288770 8. TAN 2003 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER 4M2ZU86W73ZJ18899 9. BROWN 2004 BUICK REGAL* 2G4WB52K41345918* 10. GREY 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2G2WP522441140360 11. RED 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE 1G6KD54Y65U164267 12. BLACK 2005 CHEVY TAHOE 1GNEC13Z75R251217 13. MAROON 2007 DODGE CALIBER* 1B3HB48BX7D172440* 14. GREY 2008 FORD FUSION 3FAHP06Z98R151019 15. GREY 2009 FORD CROWN VICTORIA 2FAHP71V69X114882 16. BLUE 2009 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA* 3VWRM71K49M034227*

*SALVAGE TITLE

$ 30.00 DOLLAR PROCESSING FEE

ATTENTION: Investigator J. Pruneda

ORDINANCE NO. 4831

ORDINANCE NO. 4833

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE BASE SALARIES FOR CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES OF THE MISSION FIRE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PAY FOR MEMBERS OF THE MISSION FIRE DEPARTMENT SUCH INCENTIVE PAY BEING LONGEVITY PAY, SENIORITY PAY, CERTIFICATION PAY, EDUCATIONAL PAY, AND ASSIGNMENT PAY; ESTABLISHING THE RATE OF PAY FOR SUCH INCENTIVE PAYS, ESTABLISHING THE CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCH PAY; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND ORDAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREFORE

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE BASE SALARIES FOR CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES OF THE MISSION POLICE DEPARTMENT; PROVIDING FOR EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE PAY FOR MEMBERS OF THE MISSION POLICE DEPARTMENT SUCH INCENTIVE PAY BEING LONGEVITY PAY, SENIORITY PAY, CERTIFICATION PAY, EDUCATIONAL PAY, ASSIGNMENT PAY, AND CLOTHING ALLOWANCE; ESTABLISHING THE RATE OF PAY FOR SUCH INCENTIVE PAYS, ESTABLISHING THE CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCH PAY; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND ORDAINING OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER THEREFORE

READ, CONSIDERED, AND PASSED THIS THE 9th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2019. Dr. Armando O’caña, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

SHERIFF’S SALE/ Order of Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Order of Sale Cause No. C-5236-17-D issued out of the Honorable DISTRICT COURT OF THE 206th JUDICIAL DISTRICT, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS on the 17th day of July 2019, and styled TUSCANY VILLAGE HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION, INC., (Plaintiff) VS ROSANA REYES, (Defendant) and whereas plaintiff recovered a judgment for the sum of Three Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty Eight Dollars and Thirty Four Cents ($3,988.34); (actual damages of Seven Hundred Thirty Six Dollars and Twenty Three Cents ($736.23); Attorney’s fees in the amount of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($1,500.00); Court cost of Three Hundred Fifteen Dollars and Eighty Seven Cents ($315.87); service fees of Four Hundred Sixty Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($465.00); Attorney’s fees in the amount of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars and Zero Cents ($750.00) for the projected cost of handling the foreclosure; and for post judgment interest from July 24, 2018, through the anticipated foreclosure date of September 3, 2019, in the amount of Two Hundred Twenty One Dollars and Twenty Four Cents ($221.24) together with a foreclosure of a lien and the cost of executing this writ with all costs of suit as of record is manifest, in favor of TUSCANY VILLAGE HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION, 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 8th day of August 2019, levy on certain Real Estate, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: 3511 Truman Avenue, Mission, TX 78573, as more fully described as Lot 73, Tuscany Village Subdivision, Unit-1, Hidalgo County Texas;

And levied upon as the property of ROSANA REYES and that on the first Tuesday in the month of October 2019, the same being the 1st day of said month, at 2802 South Business Highway 281, The Hidalgo County Administrative Building, Edinburg, Texas, hereby designated by The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court, in the City of Edinburg, Texas, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Order of Sale, I will sell said above real estate at public venue, for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of ROSANA REYES 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 29th day of August 2019

SHERIFF’S SALE REAL PROPERTY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Writ of Execution and Order of Sale Cause No. C-4012-18-D issued out of the Honorable 206 District Court of Hidalgo County, Texas on the 17th day of July 2019, and styled OAKLAND HOMEOWNERS’ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff(s) VS SAUL TREVINO, JR. AND JUANA M. PENA, Defendant(s) as of May 13, 2019 recovered a judgment for the sum of Four Thousand Two Hundred Nineteen Dollars Twenty Five Cents ($4,219.25); (actual damages of Six Hundred Ninety Six Dollars Ninety One Cents ($696.91); Attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Thousand One Hundred Ninety Dollars, No Cents ($2,190.00); Court cost of Three Hundred Twenty Four Dollars Ten Cents ($324.10); service fees of Two Hundred Dollars No Cents ($200.00); for post judgment interest from May 13, 2019, through the anticipated foreclosure date of September 3, 2019, in the amount of Fifty Eight Dollars Twenty Four Cents ($58.24); 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 OAKLAND HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION and placed in my hands for service on JULY 30, 2019, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 6th day of August 2019, levy on certain Real Property, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit: 3505 Timberwood Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78542-4171, as more fully described as Lot 120, Oakland Village Subdivision, Phase-2, Hidalgo County, Texas.

And levied upon as the property of SAUL TREVINO, JR. AND JUANA M. PENA and that on the first Tuesday in the month of October 2019, the same being the 1st day of said month, at the Hidalgo County Administrative Building, located at 2802 South Business Highway 281, Edinburg, Texas, 78539 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by virtue of said levy and said Writ of Execution and Order of sale, I will sell said above real estate at public venue, for cash, to the highest bidder, as the property of SAUL TREVINO, JR. AND JUANA M. PENA, 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 14

September 13, 2019

2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

FOOTBALL

THE

CONTEST

DISTRICT 16-5A1

DISTRICT 16-5A2

BIG7 SCHOOLS

DISTRICT 30-6A

$50 WEEKLY PRIZE & $200 BOOSTER CLUB GRAND PRIZE Football Contest Official Entry Form

Booster Club Grand Prize

WIN $200

WEEK #3 - SEP. 19 - SEP. 21, 2019

For Your School’s Athletic Booster Club

Check your school or favorite team below. The team with the most entries at the end of the season will win $200 for the school’s Athletic Booster Club.

❑ Sharyland Rattlers ❑ Pioneer Diamondbacks

❑ Juarez-Lincoln Huskies ❑ Mission Eagles ❑ La Joya Coyotes ❑ Veterans Memorial Patriots

Check the box next to the team you think will win from each of the games below

Name: _______________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________________________________ Phone & Alt Phone:________________________ Email:___________________________________ I am age 18 or older. Yes, I would like to receive the newsletter and promotional emails from the Progress Times. We will NEVER share your email address with anyone else.

High School Football Contest Rules A $50 cash prize will be awarded each week for the winning entry. The entry coming closest to calling all the games correctly wins. In event of a tie, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #1 wins. If a tie remains, the tying entry that comes closest to the score of Tie Breaker #2 wins. If a tie still remains, the $50 prize will be divided evenly among the winning entries. Booster Club Grand Prize: At the end of the regular football season, the total number of complete, qualified entries will be tallied for each team with the team’s check box marked. The $200 Grand Prize will be awarded to the Athletic Booster Club of the team with the most entries submitted. No Purchase necessary. Limit one entry per household each week of the contest period. Must be age 18 or older to enter the contest. HOW TO ENTER: Check the box next to the team’s name that you predict to win each high school game. Next, for the tie breakers, predict the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #1 game, and the total points scored by the winning team in the Tie Breaker #2 game. Fill in your name, address, phone number (This is how we notify the winners!), and email address. Check the box to receive the FREE Progress Times weekly newsletter and mail or drop off your entry form at Progress Times, 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission, TX 78572. Or submit your entry online at www.progresstimes.net. All entries must be received by the Progress Times no later than 2 p.m., Thursday preceding the listed games. All entries must be submitted on the Official Entry Form printed in the Progress Times, Sharyland Times or submitted electronically from our official website submission form. Photocopies of the entry form are not allowed and will be omitted from the contest. Only one entry per household per week. Previous winners and all members of the same household are ineligible for subsequent weeks of the contest. Prizes must be claimed within 7 days of notification or announcement in the Progress Times. Decisions made by the Progress Times staff are final. The winners agree to allow the Progress Times to use their names and photographs to announce the winners and for promotional purposes online and in print. Employees of the Progress Times and their immediate family members are not eligible to win.

Rio Script Pharmacy

• 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!

Apple Pharmacy #1 2501 N 23rd St B, McAllen 956-627-6652

Apple Pharmacy #2

810 E Veterans Dr. Palmview 956-352-6485

Apple Pharmacy #3

Rio Script Pharmacy

909 Buss. Park Dr, Mission 956-424-6268

Mon.-Fri. 8am-8pm • Sat. 9am-1pm

(formerly Paloma’s Pharmacy)

2308 Expressway 83, Penitas • 956-271-1064

adjustment*

No Insurance Need • Open Evening & Weekends Walk-Ins Welcome

Sharyland

vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.

❑ VETERANS MEMORIAL ❑ SHARYLAND PIONEER ❑ SHARYLAND HIGH ❑ PALMVIEW ❑ EDINBURG HIGH ❑ EDINBURG NORTH ❑ EDINBURG VELA Tie Breaker 1

❑ Palmview Lobos

Enter the number of points scored by the winning team of the following game:

❑ RIO GRANDE CITY ❑ BROWNSVILLE RIVERA ❑ BROWNSVILLE HANNA ❑ DONNA HIGH ❑ MERCEDES HIGH ❑ EDCOUCH ELSA ❑ LOS FRESNOS Tie Breaker 2 Enter the number of points scored by the winning team of the following game:

Veterans Memorial vs. Rio Grande City

Good Luck to All Sharyland Teams!

Palmview vs. Donna High

Go Mission EaGlEs!

& MH

Beauty Shop

216 Mayberry • Mission • 585-1287

Timothy W. Brann Richard A. Young D.D.S. D.D.S.

Justin Felkner D.D.S.

IT’S TACO TUESDAY EVERY TUESDAY

2407 E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission 956-581-2773 MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

Breakfast Tacos 99¢* *Except meat tacos

1954-2018 A FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS SINCE 1954

In 1954, Mission businessman Ben Cavazos opened Mission Auto Electric, Inc. Now, M.A.E. Power Equipment, we have a reputation for selling top quality products and having excellent service. M.A.E. Power Equipment is an Onan, and Generac generator service center. CERTIFIED ONAN R/V GENERATOR SERVICE

915 West Business 83 • Mission (956) 581-7433 Mon-Fri • 8am-5:30pm – Sat • 8am-1pm

Lunch Tacos $2.29* *Additional ingredients extra

Mission

Palmview

1800 W. Griffin Pkwy. 304 N. La Homa Rd. 584-3441 585-0323 McAllen 4524 S. Ware Rd. 994-0060 Mission Mission 1901 W. Mile 3 Rd. 2201 W. Expressway 83 585-8411 583-9898

SUPPORTING ALL MISSION TEAMS!

BUY HERE

Corner of Shary Rd. & Expressway 83 2401 E. Exp. 83 #300 (956) 584-3311

“Our prices are competitive, but our service is unbeatable”

FRIENDLY SERVICE

In House Financing with

Beto Salinas

(Owner/Operator)

Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 7:00PM Saturday: 10:00AM - 1:00PM

*Offer valid for first visit only. Initial visit includes consultation, exam and adjustment. Please present offer at time of redemption.

ALL INSURANCE WORK IS WELCOME Pocket Ninjas Available • Collision, Custom Paint & Body Work • Frame Work • Window Tint • Car Wash •

300 W. Exp. 83 • Mission, TX 78572

Office: 956-800-9911 Cell.: 956-360-3757

520 E. 9th St. Mission, TX 78572

y l i m a F tu The Can Proudly Support

THE LA JOYA PACK

Raul Cruz -General Manager

Air-Conditioning Residential, Commercial & Industrial

• Repair • Installation • Maintenance • Heating • Air Conditioning • Refrigeration

We Repair RVs RV Insurance Accepted

956-580-1999

PAY HERE

1713 Diamond Ave. • Peñitas, TX

956-519-4140

Miguel Delgado (956) 271-3361 artic1ac@yahoo.com

License# TACLA00089549E