Friday, November 8, 2019_PT ISSUES by Progress Times

Veterans Day - Monday , November 11, 2019 Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Progress times

Vol. 48 - #12

Friday, November 8, 2019

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La pulga pets

• MISSION

Some streets will be closed Nov. 9th for the Mission Veterans Parade. Please take altenative routes.

Photo courtesy of Krystal Starowitz.

Krystal Starowitz, 27, of Mission was arrested on Nov. 1.

Mission lawyer arrested on drug charge

• Holland to Bryan on Bus 83 will be closed at 1:00pm. • Minor streets between Conway and Stewart 2:00pm.

By Dave Hendricks

• Major streets such as Conway, Mayberry, Bryan will be closed at 2:30pm. • Bryan Road from Business to Matamoros will be closed at 2:30 and remain closed until 6pm.

WHAT’S INSIDE

AGUA SUD

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

A piglet being sold at El Ranchito Flea Market outside of Alton city limits.

• ALTON

Alton to address animal sales within city limits By Jose De Leon III Browsing through the many vendors available at flea markets across the county, shoppers can expect to see many items ranging from plants, used clothing and food. However, thanks to a local animal

rights group, shoppers will soon no longer see vendors selling a signature item at flea markets in Alton: animals. During a city commission meeting last month, members of the Mission-based organization Paws for a Cause discussed the need for Alton to ban the sale of animals at flea markets

and along the side of the road. “The RGV has a huge overpopulation problem with pets. To sell them on flea markets and on the side of the road encourages breeding,” Lisa Larson, a McAllen resident and member at PAWS told commissioners. “Texas and California lead the nation in the

See ANIMAL SALES Pg. 9 The special utility district recently fired OG Construction, which was working on the Palmview sewer system. See our story for more details, inside.

Evergreen memories

Photo courtesy of LJISD Public Relations. Family of Heriberto Flores, Jr. places soil over the newly-planted tree in his honor.

• LA JOYA

LJISD holds tree planting ceremony to honor those who have passed By Jamie Treviño

INDEX Entertainment.......pg. 2 Lifestyle.....................pg. 3 Sports........................pg. 6 Obituares.................pg. 9 Classifieds.............pg. 11

Officers arrested a Mission attorney last week after they caught her with nitrous oxide cartridges and a “half burnt cigar filled with marihuana,” according to court records. The Mission Police Department arrested Krystal Starowitz, 27, of Mission — a municipal judge for the city of Progreso — on Nov. 1. “First and foremost, I want to issue an apology to my family and loved ones for the shame and embarrassment this has caused

See MISSION LAWYER Pg. 10

• MISSION

Mission woman accused of scamming drug smugglers By Dave Hendricks

PG. 4 SCHOOL DISTRICTS STAND

Mission CISD recently received federal funding for school violence prevention, and the Border Patrol visited McAllen ISD to launch their anti-bullying campaign. PG. 5

www.ptrgv.com

20 new trees were planted on La Joya ISD grounds last weekend. On Nov. 2, the La Joya Independent School District held a special tree planting ceremony honoring and celebrating the lives of former students, employees and

trustees who have passed. Their families gathered at the LJISD Transportation Complex early Saturday morning for breakfast before visiting the new saplings outside. Jose Garcia, the principal at Treviño Middle School and a member of the Tree Planting Memorial Committee, said the district’s goal

Rio Script Pharmacy

• Immunizations available year round – no appointment needed • 10 Minute Prescription Refills – By phone or in person • 90 day prescriptions available! • 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)

was to show respect and appreciation for the contributions each honoree made in different capacities. “We honor the impact [the] loved ones have had on La Joya ISD,” Garcia said. Superintendent Gisela

See TREE PLANTING Pg. 4

After investigators arrested her husband, Gabriela Cardenas received a phone call. Her friend Sylvia Flores had bad news. FBI agents planned to search the Cardenas family home, Flores said, and they would seize anything linked to illegal activity. Flores suggested that Gabriela Cardenas hand over her savings — $24,000 — for safekeeping. Gabriela Cardenas agreed. She met with Flores on July 1 and counted out $24,000 in cash. “So my wife, out of fear, gave her the money,” said Reynaldo Cardenas III, 36, of La Joya. At first, the arrangement worked. Gabriela Cardenas requested $5,000 for expenses. Flores provided her with cash. Gabriela Cardenas asked for another $5,000 for bail. Flores provided her with more money. When she asked for the remaining $14,000, though, Sylvia Flores stopped returning phone calls. Reynaldo Cardenas contacted the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, which ar-

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

Apple Pharmacy #2 810 E Veterans Dr. Palmview 956-352-6485 RioScript Pharmacy 2308 Expressway 83, Penitas 956-271-1064

Photo courtesy of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office arrested Sylvia Rodriguez Flores, 47, of Mission in October on a felony theft charge. At the time, she was on probation.

rested Flores on a felony theft charge last month. “I’m completely innocent of these accusations,” said Sylvia Rodriguez Flores, 47, of Mission. “I’ll just wait for my day in court.” Flores, however, remains on probation for participating in a similar scam.

See DRUG SMUGGLERS Pg. 10

Apple Pharmacy #3 (formerly Paloma’s Pharmacy) 909 Buss. Park Dr, Mission 956-424-6268

Your Friendly Neighborhood Pharmacy

* Free Valley Wide Delivery

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‘Through the Lens’ exhibition opens Nov. 9

An exhibition of photographs by members of the Upper Valley Art League will open with a free public reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center Gallery. Titled “Through the Lens,” this year’s exhibition will showcase styles of photography ranging from traditional and digital to mobile created by UVAL members and the UVAL Photography Group. Exhibition coordinator Cyndee Galindo quoted Alfred Stieglitz, “In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”

November 8, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 7 in the gallery located at 921 E. 12th Street in Mission, Texas. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Upper Valley Art League is one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the Rio Grande Valley, since 1935, serving the artistic needs of the Rio Grande Valley with art instruction, exhibitions and a forum to gather. For additional information about UVAL, its classes, membership, events and exhibitions, visit the website at uppervalleyartleague.org or call 956-583-2787.

ENCORE Theatre to present ‘The Wizard of Oz’

The Mission High School (MHS) ENCORE Theatre presents one of the most famous stories of all time, The Wizard of Oz. Cast and crew have been busy creating what they hope will become an MHS theatrical triumph. The production features Noevelyn Garza as Dorothy; Edwin Velazquez, the Wizard; Jacob Barrera, Scarecrow; Juan Segovia, Cowardly Lion; and Ivan Gonzalez, Tinman.

Showtime is 7 p.m. on Nov. 14, 16, and 21. A special matinee performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 17. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. All tickets are general admission and can be purchased at the door prior to the show. The MHS campus is located at 1802 Cleo Dawson, Mission.

The Mission Historical Museum (MHM) presents the next guest speaker in their MHM Lecture Series, Rachel E. Brown, with a presentation on “El Dia de los Muertos and Its Influence on Mexican and Mexican American Art.” It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m. at the museum located at 900 Doherty Avenue. Admission is free. Brown observes how Dia de los Muertos in Latin America has roots in both European and Indigenous American culture. The discussion explores the basis of European traditions of All Saint’s Day, as well as taking a look at some of the visual evidence for celebration of the Day of

the Dead in indigenous culture prior to European contact. The subject includes a look at the traditional “altar” and studying the effects the observance has in providing a blend of heritage as visual reference to Mexican, Mexican American and Latin American artists. Visitors will also be able to tour the museum and observe before the current Dia de los Muertos exhibit it is removed. Light refreshments will be provided. MHM is open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 956-580-8646 or go to missionmuseum.org.

MHM speaker brings insight to Dia de los Muertos

Coming Attractions

November 9 • The next Sunset Live, the Rio Grande Valley’s free outdoor concert runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center Oval Park, 700 Convention Center Blvd. The concert combines music, outdoor activities, a variety of food trucks, beverages, and local artisans. Admission and parking are free. For information, call 956-681-3800. November 10 • The McAllen Public Library, 4001 N. 23rd St., will hold the sixth annual South Texas Book Festival from 12 to 7 p.m. The festival is free and open to the public. There will be national, regional and local authors participating in readings and discussions, plus bouncy castles, slide, kiddie train, gaming and VR for teens, all day hands-on activities for children and teens, and a free book giveaway for youth. • Puerto Rican Viola Music recital, part of the Faculty Artist Series with the UTRGV Patron of the Arts programs, will begin at 3 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. It features the music of Puerto Rican composers Nicky Aponte, Alberto Guidobaldi and Armando L. Ramirez, performed by Dr. Joel Pagán with pianist Sangmi Lim. Admission is free. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881. November 11-12 • Mariachi Aztlán will perform in concert at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg, and again on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. Admission is $5. Purchase tickets online at patron.utrgv.edu. • At 7 p.m. both dates, the UTRGV Patron of the Arts Distinguished Artists Series presents Trio Picaporte. First on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Edinburg Performing Arts Complex on the UTRGV campus at 1201 W. University Drive, and again on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Brownsville Campus in the TSC Performing Arts Complex. Trio Picaporte was formed at the Facultad de Artes de la Universidad de Antioquía in Colombia, and performs music that is representative of the traditional Andean region while exploring and fusing popular elements. The complete schedule and tickets are available at patron.utrgv.edu. November 14 • MANÁ’s “Rayando El Sol Tour” will make a stop Bert Ogden Arena located at 4900 S. I-69C in Edinburg. Tickets are available at livenation.com. Call 956-562-7362 for information. November 15 • The UTRGV Big Band performance begins at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. General admission is $5. Purchase tickets online at patron.utrgv.edu. November 16-17 • The UTRGV Opera Theater presents “These Strangers” at the TSC Performing Arts Center, 90 Taylor Ave. in Brownsville. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. The musical program explores the history of immigration in America. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and students. Purchase tickets online at patron.utrgv.edu. (For more Coming Attractions, go to ptrgv.com)

Speer Memorial hosts two book events

Speer Memorial Library in Mission will present an Authors’ Book Event featuring two local authors, and the public is invited. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 3 to 4 p.m., Juan P. Carmona discusses his book The Alton Bus Crash, which examines the tragic story and legacy of the 1989 school bus accident that took the lives of 21 students early on a September morning. Then on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., author Lucio G. Rivera presents his book, Tales of the Hidalgo Pump House, a Play in Two Acts. The book includes photos of actors performing

the play, a brief comic strip and a short history of the City of Hidalgo and its pump house. Each author will have copies of their book available, and will be on hand for autographs. For more information, call William Renner at 580-8754 or stop by the library. Speer Memorial Library is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission. The library is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. It can be found online at mission.lib.tx.us.

McALLEN – The public is invited to commemorate Veterans Day at the Veterans War Memorial in McAllen on Monday, Nov. 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event begins with the voices of the McAllen High School band and choir singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic followed by the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to the 65th Regiment (USA) and its members. The medal will be presented to Myriam Morales Klusmann, for her brother Jose who was killed in Korea and Master Sergeant Daniel Jaime, Purple Heart recipient, will also be recognized with this medal. Guest speaker 1st Sgt. Christina Wilson will be addressing the crowd from Afghanistan and will give an update on the situation in Afghanistan and discuss the

3 IED bomb explosions that occurred near her. Keynote speaker is U.S. Congressman Vincente Gonzalez, District 15. His address will honor contributions and sacrifices of American military personal and their families for the past 244 years. To date, 1.3 million American military men and women have given their lives in service to their country at home and abroad. The public is encouraged to visit the 15 new walls which will be the children’s Plaza of History stories engraved in granite. These stories will be authored by school children and form the basis for the new “Children’s Library of American History Stories.” For further information, call Col. Frank Plummer at 956-631-2511 or Jan Hartzog at 956-605-3486.

Nov. 11 ceremony planned at Veterans War Memorial

MOSTHistory plans Dia de los Muertos reception

EDINBURG — The community-built altars exhibit at the Museum of South Texas History will be featured during “Día de los Muertos: Altar Exhibit Reception,” on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. The program is included in the regular museum admission. Dr. Edna Ochoa’s UTRGV students will present original Spanish-language “calav-

eras literarias” – traditional Mexican compositions in verse. Ochoa is an associate professor in the Department of Literatures and Cultural Studies at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley The Museum of South Texas History is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. Call 956-383-6911 for more information.

November 8, 2019

August 16, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

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EVENTS

CALENDAR Kaitlin Renee Perez and Jesus Rodolfo Martinez

Perez-Martinez marriage planned

Oscar J. and Linda Perez of Mission announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Kaitlin Renee, to Jesus Rodolfo Martinez. He is the son of Rodolfo and Veronica Martinez, also of Mission. The nuptial mass will be performed Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Rev. Isaac Erondu will officiate. The bride-elect is a 2013 graduate of Veterans Memori-

al High School in Mission and a 2019 graduate of South Texas College in McAllen where she received her degree to become a licensed vocational nurse. The prospective groom is also a 2013 graduate of Veterans Memorial. He attended Texas State Technical College in Harlingen and received his associate’s degree in tool and die technology in 2016. He is employed by Joyson Safety Systems in San Antonio.

48th Annual Leo Najo Oldtimers reunion is Nov. 9

A venue change this year will occur for the 48th Annual Leo Najo Oldtimers Baseball Reunion set for Saturday, Nov. 9. It is relocating to the new Mission Event Center. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies beginning at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and then the program at 1 p.m. There is no admission to the event, but top sirloin butt plates with all the trimmings and beverages can be purchased at the event for the luncheon. Established in 1971 by the late Camilo Rodriguez of McAllen, the event celebrates and brings together past players from various South Texas and norther Mexico communities, according to Vicente Estevis, the organization’s president. Each year, “old Timers” are selected and inducted into the Leo Najo Hall of Fame at the event that honors the memory of one of the greatest players in baseball history in the Rio Grande Valley. The induction selection committee is made up of members from across the Valley. Being inducted this year are Elias Alvarez, Hebbronville; Julian Avila, Wesla-

co; Pat Escamilla, Mission; Charles LaGrange, Rio Grande City; Amadeo Lozano, Benavides (posthumously); Jeronimo Nuñez, Alamo Herbert (posthumously); Richmond, McAllen; Ricardo Sandate, Corpus Christi; and Humberto Taddei, Harlingen (posthumously). Special recognition inductees include Winston Ayala, McAllen; Jaime Garcia, Reynosa, Tamps., Mexico; Rick Lozano, mission; Carlos Pimentel, Mercedes; Cruz Rangel, McAllen; and Jerry Saenz, Mission. Members of the 1956 Edinburg High Bobcats and the 1974 Mercedes Tigers state tournament teams will also be in attendance. Najo was born in Mexico and, at age eight, moved to Mission where he worked odd jobs to afford tuition at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School. Najo went on to have a distinguished career as a baseball player before becoming on eof the first Mexico-born players to play professional in the United States. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1924 and was later name the best player of the first hall of fame in the 20th century in Mexico.

November 9 – A community garage sale to benefit the Mission Food Pantry and the Mission Lions Club is set will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mission Market Place, 202 W. Tom Landry in Mission. Spaces are available and individuals and organizations are invited to participate. Set-up begins at 8 a.m. The fee to reserve a space is $10, and tables can be reserved for $5 each. To reserve a space, call 956-4589066 or 956-585-3542 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. November 9 – The Veterans Cook-Off runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Presented by Texas Citrus Fiesta, Inc., it will be held at the corner of Bryan Rd. and Business 83 in Mission. November 9 – Speer Memorial Library, 801 E. 12th St. in Mission, will celebrate International Games Day with a Funkoverse tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required for the tournament. No experience with the game is necessary, but participants must be able to read and follow instructions. There will be prizes and snacks for tournament participants. To register for the tournament, call 956-580-8750 or stop by the library. November 9 – The Texas Senior Softball League kicks off their first game of the season at 10 a.m. at Westside Park at Expressway and Ware Rd. in McAllen. The League organizers are looking for men and women ages 55 and up to join up to participate in the league. Interested ball players are asked to call Ed Martins at 956-581-2254 or Fred Esqueda at 956987-6961 for more information or to sign up. November 9 - The IMAS Second Annual Superhero 5K & Fun Run fundraiser will be held at Firesman’s Park in McAllen. Registration deadline is Nov. 5. The line-up begins with the 1 Mile Fun Run start at 7:30 p.m., followed by a ceremony honoring veterans. The 8 a.m. 5K start is a chip-timed race, and the awards ceremony begins at 9:15 a.m. Registration is online only at endurancesplits.webconnex.com/IMASSUPERHERO5KRUN. Packet pickup will be at the IMAS on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and and Friday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 10 – The Green Zone Chilli Cook-Off, runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Hosted by 5x5 and Sand Devil MC, it will be held at 801 N Bryan Rd., Ste. 174, Mission. November 15 – Quinta Mazatlán, 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen, will host Dr. W.F. Strong as guest speaker at 6 p.m. as he discusses and shares excerpts from his book “Stories from Texas” a collection of 75 radio broadcasts celebrating his home state. The program is included with park admission. For more information, call 956-681-3370. November 19 – The next book discussion at Speer Memorial Library in Mission is The Bookshop at Water’s End as the subject. It takes place in the library’s Community Room at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Copies of the book are available at the library or as an eBook and eAudiobook at hidalgocotx.rbdigital.com. Call at 956-580-8754 for information. Speer Memorial is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.evil MC, it will be held at 801 N Bryan Rd., Ste. 174, Mission. (For more Events, go to ptrgv.com.)

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Mitchell Ward (Linette Castañeda)

Castañeda-Ward vows exchanged DONNA – Linette Castañeda and Joel Mitchell Ward exchanged their marriage vows on Saturday, July 13, at First United Methodist Church in Donna. Pastor Evan Butterbrodt officiated over the nuptials. The bride is the daughter of Jorge and Anita Castañeda of San Juan. The groom’s parents are Malcolm and Donna Ward of Lisarow, New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Attending the bride as maid of honor was Aubrey Briann Antle of Ponder. Bridesmaids included Ashley Clarissa Castañeda of San Juan; Katy Ann Gillen, San Antonio; Brianna Leigh Davis, Fort Hood; Sasha Diaz, Gainsville, Ga.; and Marisol Diaz, Gainsville. Flowers girls were Arianna Pequeño, daughter of Andrew and Zayra Pequeño of Pharr, and Isabella Aguilera, daughter of Kassy and Jesus Aguilera of Pharr. Trainbearers were Axel and Alexia Castañeda, children of Alejandro and Alejandra Castañeda of Gainsville. Serving as ring bearer was Jacob Pequeño, son of Ga-

briel and Maribel Pequeño of San Juan. Standing with the groom as best man, was Blake Travis Mcnulty of Narara, NSW. The groomsmen were Nathaniel Castañeda and Caleb Jorge Castañeda, both of San Juan; Jarrad Denis Harrison of Narara; Brendon Mark Williams, Narara; and Aiden Thomas Loy, Gosford, NSW. Ushers include Anthony Sepulveda and Ethan Aguilera of Pharr, and Merced Aguilera, San Juan. The reception following the ceremony was held at Villa de Cortez in Weslaco. The bride graduated from PSJA High School in 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 2015 from Angelo State University and a master’s degree in higher education student development and leadership in 2016. The groom is a 2012 graduate of Narara Valley High School. He will be receiving his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice this December. The couple honeymooned in Australia and is residing in Lisarow.

Red Cross Learn to Swim Lessons Ages 4-14

Limited Space available!!

$40 plus tax per session Session 1 November 4-14 • 7:00 pm-7:45 pm Session 2 December 2-12 • 8 days (Monday-Thursday) 45 minutes sessions

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!

Wellness Swimming

Adult Water Aerobics & Adult Lap Swimming Limited Space available!! • $30 Month $25 for School District Employees and Seniors 55+ Winter Session (Nov. 2019- Ma. 2020) Monday-Thursday 10:00am-10:45am Aerobics Class 2:00pm-2:45pm Aerobics Class Year round Aerobics & Lap Swimming Monday-Thursday 7:00pm-7:45pm Aerobics 7:00pm-8:00pm Lap Swimming

LJISD Natatorium 1801 Western Rd. Mission Tx. 78572

For more information contact Virginia Rodriguez 956-323-2162

Online Registration at https://ljisd.rgvcreditcards.com • Onsite Registration Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (registration forms are available online at Lajoyaisd.com and on site)

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November 8, 2019

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

After months of acrimony over the Palmview sewer project, Agua SUD fires OG Construction By Dave Hendricks The Agua Special Utility District fired OG Construction — one of two contractors hired to build the Palmview sewer system — on Wednesday after months of legal wrangling. Edinburg-based OG Construction started work on the Palmview sewer project in September 2017. Two years later, the project remains incomplete. The decision to terminate OG Construction will likely result in litigation, which could last for years and delay the project indefinitely. “OG Construction has failed to perform its work per contract,” according to a statement released Wednesday by Frank Garza, an attorney for the utility district. “OG Construction is months behind schedule and its work contains uncorrected deficiencies. Despite ample notice and months of time to address its default, and after every opportunity has been provided by the District to OG Construction to prevent termination, the District has been left with no choice other than to terminate the contract with OG Construction.” OG Construction fired back, accusing the utility district of acting in bad faith. “Our Office is both shocked and disappointed in the Agua SUD Board’s decision today, which can only be explained as personal vendetta against O.G. Construction,” according to a statement released Wednesday by attorney Jonathan L. Almanza, who represents the company. “The Project is over 99% complete, and instead of working amica-

bly with O.G. Construction to see that the little left of project is completed, the Board chose this time to terminate to avoid ever paying O.G. Construction for its services. Since the project’s inception, the Board never wanted O.G. and the contract was only provided because of the State’s intervention due to Agua SUD’s failure to comply with the law. It is no secret that politics combined with government contracts can be difficult and dirty. For anyone who has ever worked with a governmental entity, you are aware that you are at the mercy of a Board, who only risks the monies of its taxpayers.” The utility district and OG Construction had an acrimonious relationship from the beginning. In November 2016, the utility district solicited bids for what is called “Group A&G” of the Palmview sewer project. OG Construction submitted the low bid: nearly $11.3 million. Then-Executive Director Oscar Cancino, however, became concerned OG Construction couldn’t handle the project. At his recommendation, the utility board selected Saenz Brothers Construction, which bid about $12.3 million. The utility district explained the decision in a letter to the Texas Water Development Board. “While OG did demonstrate some experience with respect to sewer, water and utility projects such as the one at hand, those projects were of a much more limited scope,” according to the letter. “In comparison, Mr.

Cancino noted that SB’s submittal demonstrates significant experience with respect to both the scope and nature of the District’s Project.” The decision also had a political dimension. OG Construction is owned by Omar Garcia, the son of former Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia. At the time, members of the utility board counted Ramon Garcia among their political opponents. They also considered him an ally of state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, who had become increasingly concerned about poor management and politically motivated decisionmaking at the utility district. The utility board eventually agreed to accept the OG Construction bid. The relationship between OG Construction and the utility district, though, remained fraught. Both OG Construction and Mercedes-based L&G Construction, which handled Group B&F of the sewer project, had problems with groundwater. They fell months behind schedule, which frustrated the board and left Palmview residents with unpaved streets. Tension between OG Construction and the utility district flared in June, when the board hired an independent company to inspect OG Construction’s work with remote-controlled cameras. OG Construction filed a lawsuit and requested a temporary restraining order, which wasn’t signed by the judge. Attorneys for OG Construction and the utility district engaged in an extended

back-and-forth, preparing for litigation. They appeared to reach an agreement in August, but tensions flared again in mid-October. During a roundtable discussion hosted by the city, Omar Garcia blamed the utility district for refusing to accept completed work, which delayed street paving. “We are bonded. We are insured. We provide warranties. We do work all over the county. We’ve been doing this for years and years and years,” Omar Garcia said on Oct. 18. “We have never had the situation we have with Agua.” The utility district flatly rejected that characterization. “While completing the work on this long-delayed project remains a high priority, the District refuses to accept substandard work for the sake of completion,” according to the statement re-

from pg. 1

leased by the utility district. “Under the terms of the contract, the District will require all work be free of defects and the District will not issue OG Construction a certificate of substantial completion until all work is satisfactorily complete and all deficiencies have been corrected. To date, OG Construction has repeatedly refused to remedy their damaged and defective work. Instead, OG Construction has put forward excuses and has spread untruths about the Project in meetings and with the press.” OG Construction stood behind its work. “In regards to Agua SUD’s assertion that O.G.’s work was defective and that the decision to terminate was made for the benefit of the community, to those who are familiar with the project, this is simply untrue,” according to the statement released by the company on Wednes-

day. “Confirmed deficiencies were remedied and, until today, O.G. was promised a sealed engineering report to confirm other deficiencies before mobilizing to correct them. The report never came, because the engineer for Agua SUD refused to adopt Agua SUD’s alleged deficiencies with its professional seal. O.G. encourages the community to make an effort to understand the full details of this project before concluding that any one party is responsible. O.G. Construction will be vindicated in a court of law, should that become necessary, and will show that the project was delayed through no fault of the Contractor. That said, O.G. sincerely hopes that litigation is not necessary to move forward in negotiating an expeditious resolution of this project for the community of Palmview.”

TREE PLANTING

Saenz spoke on the importance of remembering those who have contributed to the success of La Joya ISD. “This event provides us with the opportunity to proudly connect with our community, our alumni and our students as we honor those who have made an everlasting mark at La Joya ISD,” Saenz said, describing the history of the district. “We have a legacy of excellence, and we have a strong commitment to our community.” Saenz said they value and respect everyone who has advocated with the district to make education a priority, saying those being honored worked tirelessly for the improvement of the future. “We reflect on their lives and as we acknowledge the unique contribution that each one of them made to make our district what it is today: a strong and vibrant district,” Saenz said. “By planting a tree in their memory, we will forever have a permanent place to remember their love for La Joya ISD.” Saenz noted that the district would be providing a “green and sustainable space” for all future generations in La Joya ISD. Board President Esperanza “Espie” Ochoa said the day was bittersweet. “For us here at La Joya

ISD, it’s about those who made an impact on our district,” Ochoa said. “From our students, who still carry much love in our hearts, to our staff that work tirelessly and are dedicated to our district, to our mentors that guided us. We know that we could not make this happen without the support and assistance of a great community, partners and advocates.” Ochoa said the honorees will forever be remembered for their commitment, dedication and passion to La Joya ISD. Mary Lily Garza, the principal of Camarena Elementary and a member of the Tree Planting Memorial Committee, said there is power in remembering loved ones. “Sitting together, retelling family stories, looking through family photos or using family recipes that take us back to the old days are just some of the ways that we keep the memories of our loved ones in our hearts,” Garza said. “The hope trees planted today symbolize the everlasting contributions these individuals gave to La Joya ISD. To help it grow and flourish.” Garza said that over the years the trees will grow taller and spread their branches, and La Joya ISD will remember the people behind the tree who helped students

excel. The 20 people honored were: Cynthia Flores (La Joya HS student, class of 2009), Heriberto Flores, Jr. (sub-custodian for 20 years), Petra Garza (bus driver for 21 years), Adalia (Lala) Morin (bus driver for 17 years), Raul Salinas (custodian for 12 years), Gricelda “Chela” Flores (custodian for 21 years), Ricardo Zamora (police officer for 24 years), Lazaro Hernandez (security officer for 20 years), Juan Lopez (maintenance painter for 28 years), Verseidy Hernandez (student from Dr. Americo Paredes Elementary), Alejandro “Alex” H. Saenz (Director of Music Education for 35 years) Irene Garcia (school board member for over 40 years), William “Billy” Leo (school board member for eight years), Idolina “Linda” Alaniz (CNS cafeteria cook for 31 years), Magda Garza (computer proctor for five years), Ronda Ruby (social studies teacher for 25 years), Jorge Flores (safety officer “604” for 26 years), Maria Zarate (security officer for 15 years), Elias Macias III (student from Academy of Health Science Professions) and Saragosa Salinas (school board member).

November 8, 2019

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Border Patrol asks students to ‘stand up’ with others against bullying By Jamie Treviño

Fourth and fifth graders at Perez Elementary School learned about what constitutes as bullying, and how they can stand up to any kind of harassment in their environment. Organized by the Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol Community Liaison Program, “Operation Stand Up” - the Border Patrol’s anti-bullying campaign was presented to students in the McAllen Independent School District on Fri. Nov. 1, 2019. Agents Brian Martinez, Mariana Ontiveros and Mari Ramirez held an assembly at Dr. Pablo Perez Elementary School in order to highlight the importance of speaking up about bullying. “Operation Stand Up” was held at the end of Perez Elementary’s Red Ribbon Week, which the school has expanded to include “stand up to drugs and bullying” since its inception in the mid-80’s. The assembly featured information about the negative effects of bullying, and the prevalence of cyberbullying today. “There are four types of bullying: verbal, physical, social, and one of the most common one right now is cyberbullying,” Ontiveros said. “People are being mean through cell phones. It is being misused.” Ontiveros noted that once something is posted on the Internet, it will stay there forever. “Even if you delete it, there will always be a way for someone to look at it,” Ontiveros said, adding that what a person posts on their online profiles can negatively impact their future careers. “It stays on your file forever,

it becomes public.” The RGV Sector of the Border Patrol Community Liaison Program presents programs and events at primary and secondary schools throughout the community. “A lot of our job entails coming out and talking about our employment, the perils of smuggling and taking drugs,” Martinez said. “Today, we’re rolling out a new anti-bullying initiative.” The presentation included a video produced by the Border Patrol and created by drama students from PharrSan Juan-Alamo Early College High School. The video took students through a day at school and the different examples of bullying students can be aware of. “Our superhero is the one that defends, the one that stands up and says no,” Ontiveros said, asking the students to be that hero for others. “A lot of the time, kids bully because they think that we, the adults, don’t care. There are teachers, counselors, police officers and agents - we all care.” Ontiveros added that bullies come from everywhere, and can come from anything, but their ways can always be changed for the better. “You will always have support, you don’t deserve to be bullied,” Ontiveros said. “The first thing you should do is tell an adult, and keep track of everything when it happens so you can have a plan.” Agent Martinez presented an example of how harassment and bullying can damage the people subjected to it - a white piece of paper. He asked a student to crumple it up into a ball, throw it on the ground and stomp on it. When the student re-

trieved the sheet, Martinez unfurled it, and the small tears and folds on the paper were visible and impossible to remove. “Every time that you come across somebody that makes fun of you, laughs at you, puts you down, it’s a scar or a wrinkle on your self esteem,” Martinez said. “They may apologize, they may say they’re sorry, they may say they never meant it, but they’re never going to get your self esteem back the way it was. Bullying doesn’t just happen, it’s not something you can apologize for and it’s going to go away.” At the end of the assembly, the fourth and fifth

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Agent Mariana Ontiveros (left) and Agent Brian Martinez (right) present “Operation Stand Up” to fourth and fifth grade students at Dr. Pablo Perez Elementary in the McAllen ISD. grade students stood up and pledged to speak out about any bullying they witness or experience in the future. The pledge included calls to stand up in an effort to stop

bullying, to treat others with respect, include others who are left out, to tell an adult if they witness bullying and help those who are bullied. “When you stand up for

that child who is being bullied, you become their superhero,” Ontiveros said. “You become someone that they can trust.”

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November 8, 2019

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VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS

5A. It was the eighth straight opening round win for the Lady Patriots. The win highlighted the trio of seniors who have been part of the team’s long history of success. Kassy Lerma recorded 22 kills, Ronnie Cantu had 25 assists and Bella Dominguez 25 digs. Another senior, Karina Salinas recorded eight kills as did freshmen Rylie Barnett. The win improved the Lady Patriots record to 42-5 on the year. Coach Diana Lerma summed up the win in four short words, “The girls were ready.” Lerma went on to comment on how the team seems to be peaking at the right time and noted the contributions made by the team beyond Lerma, Cantu and Dominguez. “Everyone has a role and it’s important,” said Lerma. Next up for the Lady Patriots is the District 30-5A runner up Corpus Christi Carroll. The Lady Tigers defeated Tuloso-Midway 3-1 in the opening round Tuesday night, winning their first post season game since 2009. The team has played the last month under the direction of Becky Valenzuela following the passing of head coach Stacy Selby. The area round match-up between Mission Vets and Carroll is scheduled for tomorrow in Falfurrias at 1:00 pm. In Mission Tuesday night the Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks secured another second round appearance with their 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-12) sweep of Donna at Pioneer High School. The win marks the fifth time the Lady Diamondbacks have won their opening round game in the school’s six year history. Pioneer dominated the third seed from

District 32-5A with an array of big hits from a number of players. In the first set the Lady Diamondbacks recorded 15 kills from six different players. On the night, sophomore Lorelai Hill led the team with 16 kills while senior Daniela Alvarez recorded eight. Senior Samantha Ayala and junior Daisy Monie each had six. “Our passing was exceptional tonight”, said Pioneer coach Laura Cavazos. “It was probably one of the best (passing games) we’ve had. We were able to give it to the hitters and the hitters executed very well tonight.” Setter Natalie Reyes is the focal point of the Lady Diamondbacks passing attack. On the night, the sophomore assisted on 36 of the team’s points. The Lady Diamondbacks defense was led by Joy Caraballo and Elizabeth Fina who recorded 14 and 13 digs respectively. The win improved Pioneer to 33-10 on the year. Next up for the Lady Diamondbacks is Victoria West, champions of District 30-5A, who defeated Calallen 3-0 on Tuesday. West has been on a long run of playoff success in recent years. They eliminated Pioneer from the area round in 2015 and 2014. The area round match-up between Pioneer and West was scheduled for last night in Kingsville. On Monday night the Lady Rattlers of Sharyland High came very close to making it a clean sweep of opening round victories for the three area teams but fell short to District 32-5A co-champion Edcouch-Elsa 3-2 (25-16,25-22,25-27,23-25,16-14) in a match that required extra points in two of the final

three sets. It didn’t look like it would go that way at the start as the Lady Rattlers dropped the first two sets and then trailed 17-10 in the third. “I told the girls “It’s now or never”, said Sharyland coach Raul Castillo. “ I pointed out (to my seniors), “It’s now or never.” The Lady Rattlers responded with a comeback to win that third set, then won the fourth to force a deciding fifth set. They were one point away from winning the entire match before Edcouch scored three straight points to end the season for Sharyland. The Lady

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Rattlers finished 2019 at 21-20. “They didn’t stop fighting, they could have folded”, said Castillo. “I couldn’t be prouder.” The Lady Rattlers three seniors went out with big games in the loss. Tristan Maddox had 13 kills and Marissa Jones had seven to go with four blocks. Andrea Espinoza had nine kills and three aces. In addition, junior setter Ana Paola Cerda assisted on 45 points and sophomore Marianna Martinez contributed 19 kills and two blocks.

GAME OF THE WEEK

and if the Raiders won, the Coyotes are playing for nothing more than pride tonight and the opportunity to send their seniors off with a last home game memory of beating the Eagles. A Raiders loss gives the Coyotes a shot. To sum that up, La Joya’s only way in is to finish in a tie with Rowe. Last weeks’ big 49-42 victory by the Coyotes over the Warriors would be the tie breaker. A three way tie with Rowe and PSJA North would leave La Joya out due to positive points. The Coyotes lost to the Raiders by 17 points in week nine. The fact that they have a shot is a testament to the ef-

forts of all involved, according to Coyotes coach Reuben Farias. After a 2-0 start the Coyotes lost three straight, two of them district games. A win over McAllen High in week seven was followed by two more losses and with only two games left it didn’t look good. “I just told them to go out and play their best no matter who it was (we were playing)”, said Farias. A three game losing streak by Rowe, including the Coyotes big win last week, has left the door open. It’s not open by much but it’s still open and if La Joya can pull it off, like they say,

everyone starts the playoffs with a clean slate. “I just want them to play to the best of their abilities and with effort,” said Farias. “That’s all I can ask and I can handle it if that’s what we do.” If they do qualify, La Joya would be the District 306A second seed in the Div. I bracket of the 6A playoffs based on their fourth place district finish and the fact that they have the highest enrollment among all district teams. No information on a possible opponent was available as of press time. Kickoff for tonight’s game is scheduled for 7:30 pm at La Joya ISD Stadium.

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November 8, 2019 from pg. 1 ANIMAL SALES euthanization of dogs and cats. Palm Valley Animal Shelter in Edinburg euthanizes up to 100 animals per week. In 2012, Texas implemented the dog or cat breeders act that states that those who sell up to 20 dogs and cats a year must have a license. When I went to Ochoa’s Flea Market in Alton, there was a man selling miniature schnauzers for $200 each. I seriously doubt this guy had a license for that.” Alton has two flea markets: Ochoa’s located on the intersection of 4 mile and Conway Avenue and Pulga Los Portales on 6 mile and Conway Avenue. Larson added that when she visited Ochoa’s Flea Market, she found multiple vendors selling parakeets “crowded in cages,” piglets covered in flies and vendors selling puppies in feces covered cages. “What worries me more is

the mothers they are using for breeding purposes and what conditions they are in,” Larson said. “We encourage you to get an ordinance in Alton that prohibits this sale.” NEW ORDINANCE Due to comments from Larson and four other members who spoke at the meeting, Alton planning Director Cristina Garcia announced Tuesday that the city will discuss and possibly vote on a new ordinance banning the unlicensed sales of animals within city limits at the next city commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12. The ordinance, she said, is similar to one passed in the city of Alamo last month to prevent the sales of animals within city limits, including at their flea markets. People violating this ordinance can face a fine of up to $500. “This ordinance would

obituaries

Fernando Eufemio Galan MISSION – Fernando Eufemio Galan, born March 20, 1929, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on October 7, 2019. With family near him, he fought a strong fight on his short battle of kidney cancer and he passed peacefully with many family members coming to surround him with love at Vitas Hospice at the Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. He had been transferred from a short stay at Brooks Army Medical Center (BAMC) in

San Antonio, and the family will be forever grateful for their amazing and respectful care. After living a long and beautiful 90 years of life, he has been finally reunited again in Heaven, with his wife of 65 years and high school sweetheart along with his first born son, his parents, and other loved ones. This life of 90 years brought great joy to him by way of his Faith, Family and the U.S. Navy. He was a man with a deeply rooted faith and love for God; a man who always, always found unbridled happiness surrounded by his family which typically produced his larger-than-life laugh, full of emotion; and a Retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer who was incredibly patriotic and proud to be referred to as “Chief” and to have served in the US Navy for more than 30 years. He is survived and will

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www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com prohibit people from selling animals without a license or paperwork, no one can randomly go to the flea market and sell animals anymore,” Garcia said, adding that the city’s code enforcement office will go out to the community to educate people on the new ordinance before making the ban effective. Currently, Alton has an ordinance preventing the sale of items along the side of the roads which includes animals. “We were looking at a new ordinance like this already but weren’t prioritizing it because commissioners were satisfied at first with the no sales along the roadways ordinance,” Garcia said. “But since we had a good amount of people from the public who showed up at that meeting, it raised concerns with the mayor and commission to do something.”

ENFORCEMENT Garcia said that due to the city having just one code enforcement officer who doesn’t work on the weekends, it is difficult for the city to enforce the sale of animals along the roadways or to respond to complaints from the public of the sales of animals at flea markets. Over the weekend, the Progress Times observed vendors at Ochoa’s Flea Market and found three vendors selling birds, another vendor renting and selling horses, and two vendors selling puppies. While one of the puppy vendors said her puppies-a chihuahua pomeranian mixwere unvaccinated, she said she was recommending to people to take their newly purchased animal to a nearby vendor who was selling $15 vaccinations and boosters for dogs so pet owners could in-

be so very missed by his oldest son, David Galan (and Diana) from Douglasville, Georgia; his daughter, Araceli Tobin (and Mike) from LaVernia, Texas; and his youngest, Sonya Wolf (and Matthew) from McKinney, Texas. He was so very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they filled his heart with so much love and a happiness that could not be contained – David Ian Galan, Christopher Galan, Texas Galan, Laura Sanchez (and O’Dan), Jay De La Cruz, Abigail Wolf, Charlotte Wolf and great grandchildren – Sophia Sanchez and O’Dan Sanchez II. His legacy will live on, not just by way of his children, but his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. “Chief,” as he was referred to on many occasions, loved music and loved classic musicals like “My Fair Lady,” “The Sound of Music,” “Giant,” “The Wizard of Oz,” and the “Phantom of the Opera,” just to name a few. He didn’t play a mu-

sical instrument and didn’t carry a tune when singing at church, but when he had an opportunity to watch one of these shows or listen to these songs…it honestly didn’t matter. He memorized every word to every song and smiled from ear to ear, always able to appreciate the beauty and magnificence in each masterpiece. Therefore, our celebration of his life will include some of his favorites as a tribute to his love of music. Funeral services will be held at El Mesias United Methodist Church in Mission, Texas, on Friday, November 8, at 12:30 p.m. Military Honors Ceremony will take place at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas, at 2 p.m. on the same day. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Legion, or Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio Military Medical Center (BAMC / SAMMC).

ject the puppies themselves. This type of business, Garcia warned, could be dangerous. “You don’t know the conditions of the animal when you purchase it at a flea market or on the side of the road,” Garcia said. “If the citizens are going to spend money on an animal or pet, you want to make sure it has its vaccinations, its paperwork and things like that, especially if its sick. It’s a legitimate concern.” Some vendors, Garcia said, end up selling animals right outside of city limits along the county line where Alton can’t enforce their ordinances, and the county has a hard time responding to concerns of animal sales. The Progress Times visited El Ranchito Flea Market-located near 7 Mile and Conway Avenue along the county line-and found multiple ven-

Notices Jose Cardoza Jr. MISSION – Jose Angel Cardoza Jr., 73, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Graciela Cruz MISSION – Graciela A. “Chela” Cruz, 94, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Maria De Leal LA JOYA – Maria de la Luz Portilla De Leal, 94, passed away on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at her home in La Joya. Alicia Garcia MISSION – Alicia B. Garcia, 89, passed away on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 at McAllen Medical Center. Maria Gutierrez MISSION – Maria G. Gutierrez, 91, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Jose Herrera MISSION – Jose Herrera, 74, passed away on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

dors selling animals ranging from pigs, goats, dogs and turkeys, all in cramped areas. These type of sales, Paws for a Cause member Mimi Reyes said, are what the group hopes to abolish all over the county. “The reason this happens is they don’t have a voice, they are seen as property,” Reyes said of the conditions of the animals. “We saw a need and came forward to do something about it. When people get warned about their animals, they dump them outdoors or at a shelter instead of changing their ways. The people need to start getting fined; until it starts hurting their pockets and freedom or nothing is ever going to change. Animals will continue dying and getting dumped. They’re the ones suffering the consequences.”

Raquel Menchaca MISSION – Raquel Menchaca, 77, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. James Moseley MISSION – James Moseley, 76, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, at his home in Mission. Amalio Reyna ALTON – Amalio Reyna, 89, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, at his home in Alton. Gabriel Rivera PALMVIEW – Gabriel Rivera, 54, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, at his home in Mission. Andres Samaniego MISSION – Andres Samaniego, 69, passed away on Monday, Oct. 15, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center. Maria Schuliakewich MISSION – Maria Schuliakewich, 60, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at her home in Mission. David Williams MISSION – David E. Williams, 80, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

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November 8, 2019

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Palmview moving forward with more debt refinancing By Jose De Leon III Hoping to take advantage of a decrease in interest rates, and their relationship with the Philadelphia-based PFM Financial Advisors-Palmview approved a plan of finance for PFM to start the discussions to renegotiate interest rates. “We’re not approving any kind of loans or interest rates, we’re discussing what the plan is in the next several weeks to start having discussions with banks before negotiations with them on your old debts,” David Gonzalez,

an advisor with PFM told Palmview council members at their Tuesday meeting. PFM was hired by the city last July to help them borrow $2.1 million to pay off three high interest loans from Lone Star National Bank that totaled $3,450,000 with interest rates ranging from 5.25 percent to 7.25 percent. The city ended up borrowing about $1.57 million to pay off two of those loans thanks to the work of PFM, who helped refinance the interest rates on those loans to as little as 3.3 percent, Palmview city Manager Michael

Leo said. The city decided to hold off on taking any action on a 2014 loan of $650,000 with a 5.5 percent interest rate but it is now one of the debts PFM will begin refinancing. “Just last week, the Federal Reserve decreased rates one final time so interest rates are lower this week than they were a week ago,” Gonzalez told commissioners. “It’s another reason to try to take advantage of the interest rate in the market at this time.” The plan, Gonzalez explained, is to start having

discussions with banks to find one willing to work with the city on the 2014 loan and two other loans. Once PFM finds a bank willing to work with the city, the firm will negotiate with the bank new interest rates which will be presented to the city at a later meeting for commissioners to approve. “Part of this process is not to just save money, but help you get out of your loans and some of your agreements made on your other payments,” Gonzalez said. “It’s a double-edged deal we’re trying to accomplish here, clean out another loan and also save you money.” The city also discussed having a town hall meeting on Thursday, Nov. 21, to discuss street paving, the city’s

from pg. 1

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Alejandro Jose “A.J.” Hernandez (center) surrounded by family, coaches and La Joya ISD officials at his signing ceremony to attend Neosho County Community College and be part of the school’s track and field team Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.

La Joya ISD holds first athletic signing of the school year By Jose De Leon III A La Joya High School student became the first student in the La Joya school district this year to sign a letter of intent Monday to compete at the collegiate level in Kansas. Alejandro Jose “A.J.” Hernandez, a senior at La Joya High, will attend Neosho County Community College and join the college’s track and field team. “It was an obvious choice.” Hernandez said after the signing. The campus celebrated Hernandez’s accomplishment at a ceremony where he signed his letter surrounded by family, coaches and school officials includ-

ing La Joya ISD Superintendent Gisela Saenz. During the ceremony, La Joya ISD athletic Director Victor Garza said Hernandez will receive a full ride scholarship to attend the college. “This is a celebration to get you motivated, this could be you,” Garza told students at the signing. “I remember when AJ was a 7-year-old boy and when we were remodeling the stadium 10 years ago, he would run on the track every day. Now he is a young man, a mature young man who in May, will become a graduating coyote. We want to celebrate his accomplishments that have brought him to this point.” At Neosho, Hernandez

said he plans to study occupational therapy, which he said was influenced by dislocating his shoulders during his sophomore and junior years. “I just want to help others. I’ve gone through a few injuries and overcame it with help from therapists and I want to do the same for other athletes,” Hernandez said. “I fell in love with the sport. I love the competition and the one on one where when the gun goes off, it’s just you and everyone else. It’s a race to the finish. Hopefully I am bringing enough to Neosho. I am going to go out there to compete, do as much as I can and be able to do what I do.”

top priority. The town hall would possibly be a joint meeting with Agua SUD, Leo said. “Make sure you have a representative from Agua and the construction companies,” Councilmember Anthony Uresti said. “We invite them, but it’s up to them if they show up,” Councilmember Linda Sarabia replied. Last month, the city held an informal town hall meeting to address widespread frustrations over the Palmview sewer project, which has led to many streets in the city in need of paving. Agua SUD utility board Director Roger Hernandez of La Joya and Agua SUD General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz were invited

DRUG SMUGGLERS

In 2016, the Palmview Police Department arrested a man on drug charges. Flores convinced the man’s father to pay her $3,500. Flores said she worked at “the Federal Building and she would talk to the Judge to have his son’s charges dismissed,” according to Mission Police Department records filed with the Hidalgo County District Clerk’s Office. When the charges weren’t dismissed, the man contacted an attorney. The attorney told him to file a police report. Officers arrested Flores and charged her with theft, a state jail felony. She pleaded guilty in June 2018. A judge placed Flores on probation for three years and ordered her to pay restitution. In both instances, Flores is accused of claiming that her connections could make criminal cases disappear. “And at the time, people believed her because she’s always taking pictures with high political people,” Reynaldo Cardenas said. Flores also apparently bolstered her claims by working on political campaigns. Her name occasionally appears on campaign finance reports filed by western Hidalgo County politicians.

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to attend. The former could only stay for 40 minutes and the latter didn’t show up to the meeting, citing that he was only made aware of it an hour before it started. “It’d be nice for them to be here for the community, there’s a lot of questions out there that need answers,” Councilmember Joel Garcia said. “Hopefully they’ll be here.” After the meeting, Leo said the city would begin contacting Agua SUD as soon as possible to give them two weeks of notice for the meeting. As of press time calls to Agua SUD to verify if they’ve received any form of correspondence regarding the town hall meeting were unanswered.

Some people who accuse Flores of scamming them declined to press charges. After federal agents detained Vanessa Rios and her husband, Hugo Alejandro De Hoyos, on drug trafficking charges in 2016, Flores called their family. “She was in contact with my mom and my brother-in-law,” Rios said, adding that her brother-in-law paid Flores about $16,000. “She told them that she was gonna get me out, which was impossible.” Flores promised the case would be dismissed. It wasn’t. “Everything she told them never did happen,” Rios said. “It was just lies.” Rios said her mother and brother-in-law, who paid Flores in cash, didn’t want to press charges. They also lacked proof of the payment. Attorney Oscar Vega of McAllen, who represented De Hoyos, corroborated the story. He said Rios told him about what happened, though he didn’t recall the name of the woman accused of scamming her. “What I want is for other people to know it’s a scam. Don’t fall for it,” Reynaldo Cardenas said. “She’s a con artist. Don’t give her any money.”

MISSION LAWYER

them,” Starowitz said in a statement. “There is no excuse for my actions committed on November 1, 2019. I take full responsibility for my actions and all of the consequences that this unfortunate event has caused. “I want to thank Mission P.D. for protecting the Mission area. I can only grow from this mistake and reassure all that it will never happen again. I am a 27-year-old girl who is only human,” Starowitz said in the statement. “I am bound to make mistakes but do realize and acknowledge that I have to be more responsible because of my title and current position. I hope to recover and grow from this incident and continue serving my community in any way that I can. This is my home, these people are my family and I promise to do everything in my power to make everyone proud and reassured in my abilities again. “Once again, I take full responsibility for my actions and issue a sincere apology to all,” Starowitz said in the statement. “Through God’s grace I hope to move on from this incident.”

Officers arrested Starowitz on Nov. 1, when the Mission Police Department responded to a call about a woman “seen inhaling something” near a gas station on the 3300 block of North Shary Road, according to Mission Municipal Court records. A gray Cadillac CTS apparently caught the caller’s attention. An officer approached the Cadillac and found Starowitz behind the wheel. When he asked Starowitz why she parked near the gas station, “she responded in slurred speech that she was there with her dog,” according to court records. Starowitz had several nitrous oxide cartridges, which are commonly called “whippets,” on her lap. “Ms. Starowitz stated that she did use them only because she was stressed about a trip she had to Houston,” according to court records. When the officer searched her car, he found a gray nitrous oxide dispenser and more cartridges. “A half burnt cigar filled with marihuana was also located on the center console

area,” according to court records. Starowitz is charged with possession and use of a volatile chemical, a Class B misdemeanor. The officer also cited her for possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor. Municipal Judge Ramon Rosales Jr. set a $1,000 personal recognizance bond during a brief hearing Friday afternoon. “They tell me you practice law,” Rosales said. Starowitz said she did. “I used to work with Vicente Gonzalez and Javier Villalobos,” Starowitz said. “I do a lot of the insurance hail stuff.” Rosales appeared taken aback by the charge against Starowitz, a promising young attorney. “It’s a little disconcerting, what they’re saying,” Rosales said, adding that the circumstances didn’t make sense to him. If convicted on the Class B misdemeanor charge, Starowitz faces a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine not to exceed $2,000.

November 8, 2019

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Prominent South Texas attorney arrested on child pornography charge By Dave Hendricks The Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force arrested a prominent South Texas attorney last month, when federal agents found child pornography at his law office. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arrested Francisco “Frank” Enriquez, 66, of McAllen on Oct. 30. “Frank is and remains an innocent man,” his attorney, Carlos A. Garcia of Mission, said in a statement. “He is a veteran of the Vietnam era who was honorably dis-

charged in 1975. There are many facts that will come to light later in the litigation that will confirm Frank’s innocence of the charges lodged against him. We respectfully ask for patience and respect for the rule of law as he awaits trial.” Born in California and raised in San Antonio, where he attended Catholic schools, Enriquez joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. After being stationed in Spain, Thailand, Italy and Turkey, he returned to South Texas and graduated from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1978. Enriquez became a player

in Hidalgo County politics, where he supported judicial candidates and served on local boards. He mounted an unsuccessful campaign for Place 3 on the 13th Court of Appeals in March 2000 and challenged U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, in November 2006. For the past 15 years, Enriquez maintained homes in both San Antonio and McAllen, where he lived on the second floor of his law office. The regional Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force executed a search warrant at the law office, which is located near the In-

ternational Museum of Art & Science, on Oct. 30. “The searched (sic) revealed that a P2P file sharing software, often used to share child pornography, had been installed on a computer located within the office,” according to the criminal complaint against Enriquez. “Additionally, agents located child pornography on multiple devices found in the Defendant’s office.” Agents found child pornography on two hard drives. The first hard drive, which agents found in Enriquez’s desk, contained 100 images and eight videos that met the federal definition of child pornography, according to

U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis, who summarized information provided to him by a Homeland Security Investigations agent during a court hearing on Oct. 31. The second hard drive, which agents found near a printer in Enriquez’s office, contained six videos that met the federal definition of child pornography. “No other child pornography was found at this point anywhere else within the building,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell said at the Oct. 31 hearing. “It was solely within the defendant’s office.” Two employees had access to Enriquez’s office,

Mitchell said, but they needed permission to enter. The Homeland Security Investigations agent provided additional details to Alanis during a sealed bench conference. After the bench conference, Alanis set bond at $100,000 with a $10,000 cash deposit. Alanis also prohibited Enriquez from accessing the internet, using computers and having any contact with minors, with the exception of his grandchildren. If convicted on the charge, receipt of child pornography, Enriquez faces 5 to 20 years in prison.

BUY • SELL • TRADE • RENT • HIRE

THE CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIED RATE: 1 Week = $7 Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are 2 Weeks = $10 Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573. Submit by email or pay 4 Weeks = $14 by phone 585-4893. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Progress Times is made possible by our advertisers. Please frequent their businesses and tell them you saw their ad in the Progress Times. For Rent R.V. SPACES FOR rent at Brush Country Double E RV Park located in San Isidro, TX, peaceful country living, hunters and Winter Texans welcomed, month to month rates available, for more details call 956-844-8168 or 956-432-2437. For Sale 2 CEMETERY PLOTS for sale at Valley Memorial Gardens, call 956960-3848 for more information. Garage Sale “FRIENDS” GARAGE SALE at 923 Adams St. in Mission, Friday-Sat-

urday, Nov. 1-2, and also Friday-Saturday, Nov. 8-9, housewares, clothing, love seat sofa, solid wood entertainment center, and much more miscellaneous items. Home For Sale 2BEDROOM/ 1BATH located at 508 E. 11th St. in Mission, TX, close to park, tennis courts & playground, for more details call 956-458-6169. Lot For Sale 60’ X 117’ RESIDENTIAL Lot located at 2011 Dunlap, Mission, TX, $32,000, for more information please call 956-605-0630.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS SHARYLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S State Financial Accountability Rating Sharyland Independent School District will hold a public meeting at 5:45 p.m., November 18, 2019 in the Auditorium at Sharyland High School 1216 N. Shary Road Mission,TX 78572. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss Sharyland Independent School District’s rating on the state’s financial accountability system.

RESOLUTION CALLING A HEARING FOR EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN NONIRRIGATED LAND OF HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6 WHEREAS, the following described property is believed to constitute Nonirrigated Land under Texas Water Code Sections 58.731 and 51.759; and WHEREAS, the District desires to call a public hearing in order to receive evidence regarding the status of such land as Nonirrigated Land; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That in accordance with Texas Water Code, Chapter 58, HIDALGO COUNTY IRRIGATION DISTRICT NO. 6, hereby calls a hearing before the District’s Board of Directors concerning the exclusion from the District as Nonirrigated Land the following described real property, to-wit: And further described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. SUBDIVISIONS TO BE EXCLUDED 1) Platinum Star Subdivision 2) Idea Palmview Subdivision That the hearing will be held on November 18, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. in the District boardroom at 3735 N. FM 492, Mission, Texas wherein all persons interested in the matter of exclusion of the above-described property, or any part thereof, from the District as Nonirrigated Land are invited to attend and to offer evidence in support of or opposing land the exclusion of said property, or any part thereof. READ, CONSIDERED, APPROVED, SIGNED AND EFFECTIVE on this 28th day of October 2019 at a Special Called Meeting of the Board of Directors of HCID#6 at which a quorum was present and which as in accordance with the Texas Government Code and pursuant to the Texas Open Meeting Act. ATTEST: Diana Izaguirre, President of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 Brandon Thompson, Secretary of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for an Off Premise Wine and Beer Permit by Triple “L” Leonis, LLC DBA as Leo’s Express Drive Thru #2, to be located at 1000 S Leo Ave., La Joya, TX 78560, Hidalgo County. Officer of said Limited Liability Company is Lita Leo, Managing Member.

SHERIFF’S SALE/ Order of Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That by virtue of a certain Order of Sale Cause No. C-4006-18-E issued out of the Honorable DISTRICT COURT OF THE 275th JUDICIAL DISTRICT, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS on the 27th day of September 2019, and styled OAK HILL RANCH HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION (Plaintiff) VS FERNANDO VELASQUEZ AND JENNIFER ESQUIVEL (Defendant) and whereas plaintiff recovered a judgment for the sum of Six Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty Four Dollars and Forty Six Cents ($6,954.46); (actual damages of Three Thousand Twenty One Dollars and Seventy Five Cents ($3,021.75); Attorney’s fees in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Two Dollars and Fifty Cents ($2,502.50); Court cost of Three Hundred Twenty Four Dollars and Ten Cents ($324.10); service fees of Two Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($200.00); for post judgment interest from June 6, 2019, through the anticipated foreclosure date of December 3, 2019, in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Six Dollars and Eleven Cents ($156.11); and for Attorney’s fees in the amount of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars and Zero Cents ($750.00) for the projected cost of handling the foreclosure 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 OAK HILL RANCH HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION and placed in my hands for service on September 27, 2019, I, J.E. “Eddie” Guerra, as Sheriff of Hidalgo County, Texas, did on the 6th day of November 2019, levy on certain Real Estate, situated in Hidalgo County, Texas, described as follows, to-wit:

23118 Oak Knoll Drive, Edcouch, TX 78538-3582, as more fully described as Lot 104, Oak Hill Ranch Subdivision, Phase-2, Hidalgo County, Texas; And levied upon as the property of Fernando Velasquez and Jennifer Esquivel and that on the first Tuesday in the month of December 2019, the same being the 3rd 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 Fernando Velasquez and Jennifer Esquivel 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 6th day of November 2019

400 W. Veterans Blvd. Palmview, TX 78572 (956) 432-0300 EXT. 326

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Palmview Zoning Board of Adjustments will hold a Meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the Palmview City Hall Council Chambers, 400 West Veterans Blvd, Palmview, Texas to consider the following: • Consideration and possible action for a Variance, requested by Neal M. Dorsch Information & Helps Ministries, Inc. DBA: Melody Lane Christian Renewal Center, to allow encroachment of 14 ft into a 15 ft front setback, 5 ft into a 10 ft rear setback, and 5 ft into a 6 ft side setback at Texas Rose R.V. Park N251.8’, Texas Rose R.V Park S408.2’.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Palmview Planning and Zoning Board will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the Palmview City Hall Council Chambers, 400 West Veterans Blvd, Palmview, Texas to consider the following: • Consideration and possible action to rezone from its present designated land use zoning Agricultural Open Interim (AO- 1) To General Business (C-3): Bentsen Groves S106.80’- N277.40’ of Lot 54 2.03AC GR 1.85AC NET. Additionally, notice is hereby given that a hearing before the Palmview City Council will be held on Tuesday, December 03, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the Palmview City Hall Council Chambers to consider the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board on this matter. If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Palmview’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement.

For additional information, please call the Planning Dept. at (956)432-0300. Planning Director: Rodolfo Flores III.

The Mission Police Department, located at 1200 E. 8th Street in Mission, Texas, is attempting to locate the owner of found currency. If the owner does not claim the property within 90 days of this publication, the mentioned property will be properly disposed of. General Property Description: Undisclosed amount of money found within the City of Mission in May of 2019 near the area of East Griffin Parkway and Glasscock Road. Please contact C.S.I., M. Bazaldua #515 at the Mission Police Evidence Bureau (956) 584-5065 with a detailed description of the property.

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Sullivan City preparing to participate in Texas Citrus Fiesta By Jose S. De Leon III For the first time in its history, Sullivan City will participate in one of the oldest traditions in western Hidalgo County. Oh Wednesday, Sullivan City officials celebrated the success of their first Miss Sunshine Pageant, named after the city’s motto “The city of Sunshine.” The pageant, held last February, resulted in three teens from Sullivan City who will compete for a spot at the TCF royal court next year. “We will be participating more in Citrus Fiesta,” Hermalinda Salinas, president of the United Committee-which sets up events around the city-said Wednesday. “Our city is rising and we will win. Everything has been progressing, we’re getting everything for the best and it’s for the community.” Typically, Sullivan City participates at TCF by having their fire truck and police cars be part of the annual Parade of Oranges, Sullivan City Mayor Leonel “Leo” Garcia said. For years, however, the city has been discussing the possibility of having a pageant to have Sullivan City represented in the chance to be given TCF’s top title of Queen Citrianna. The Miss Sunshine pageant last February saw five girls enter and three girls elected to compete for the TCF Royal Court. They are Alexa Verastegui-Duchess of

Sunshine, Sandra Marbella Ramirez-Duchess of Ebony and Nathaly Flores-Duchess of Zinnia. “We’re coming and we’re going in strong,” Garcia said. “We will push it and challenge every city here. Every girl from every city deserves a chance to be on that court.” Wednesday’s celebration was a dinner where city officials and the three duchesses honored the sponsors who donated to make the pageant happen. The sponsors honored included Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe Flores, husband and wife Alex and Vicky Cantu, who serve on the school boards for La Joya ISD and South Texas College respectively, 449th District Court Judge Renee Rodriguez Betancourt, City of Peñitas Councilmember Alex Guajardo and his wife, Roxanne and 398th District Court Judge Keno Vasquez. “They’re the ones who made it happen for the girls and this city,” Garcia said, adding that with the sponsorship the girls were provided with dresses, shoes and crowns for the pageant. Also honored at the event was Diana Flores, owner of Peñitas’ Flores Floral Shop. According to Salinas, Flores has been helping Sullivan City throughout the years by providing several items ranging from plaques, bouquets, linens and chair covers from her floral shop. Flores is also involved in

the cities of Palmview and La Joya where she serves on the board of directors for the Palmview Chamber of Commerce and as host for the La Joya VFW Auxiliary Bingo. “It’s just something I do to help the community,” Flores said. “It’s very important for me to help the community. Love for the community was instilled by my father so it’s second hand nature for me to help.” These thoughts were echoed by Alex Cantu, a Sullivan City native who attended the dinner. “It’s for the kids so what better way to come back to my hometown and try to give back so another child can have the opportunity to represent Sullivan City,” Alex Cantu said. “We support any child, but it was extra special here, this is near and dear to me.” The actions from the honored donors exemplified the support the duchesses are getting from their own community, Verastegui said. “I’m surrounded with two other duchesses and I feel more comfortable because we’re not alone,” Verastegui said. “The community being behind us like this exemplifies that support and why we don’t feel alone even though we’re the first girls doing this. We’re so proud to be from here and we hope to take it a long way in the pageant.”

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III

Estate Planning Workshop Wednesday

November 13, 2019•9:30am Hampton Inn & Suites 2505 Victoria Drive Mission, TX 78572 Event Code : NP

Topics to be covered • The advantages and disadvantages of Wills and Revocable Living Trusts • The Guardianship process and how it can impact your family • How Powers of Attorney work and their inherent limitations • How the Probate process works and how it can be avoided • Pitfalls associated with common planning techniques, i.e., placing children names on joint bank accounts • How to protect assets being passed to your heirs from lawsuits, divorce, and other claims • Implementing a financial strategy through insurance products that can protect and preserve your estate.

Complimentary meal will follow the presentation. Please arrive 15 minutes early for best choice of seating. Reservations are required, seating is limited and fills quickly. Meal follows the workshop. Call:

844-425-2872

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Following congratulations for being named a Blue Ribbon School, Escobar Rios Elementary teachers and staff hold a check for MCISD (to be used for school violence prevention) presented by Congressman Henry Cuellar.

Congressman congratulates Escobar/ Rios Elementary for being named a National Blue Ribbon School, presents check to MCISD By Jamie Treviño

Joe Flores, Diana Flores, Alexa Verastegui, Sandra Marbella Ramirez, Nathaly Flores, Vicky Cantu and Alex Cantu.

Inviting you and a guest to a free

‘The transformative power of education’

Mission has a National Blue Ribbon School in their district, and recently received federal funding to put toward school violence prevention. This Mon. Nov. 4, Congressman Henry Cuellar visited the Hilda C. Escobar/Alicia C. Rios Elementary School campus in the Mission Consolidated Independent School District in order to congratulate the teachers, staff and administration for being named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School. The Blue Ribbon Program (which started in 1982) recognizes public and private primary and secondary schools across the country based on their overall academic excellence. “I know firsthand the transformative power of education, and the unique role educators play in impacting a student’s life,” Cuellar said. “We want to make our kids better, and as parents we always want to make sure we leave something for our kids.” “The only thing you can get, and the only thing that can never be taken away, is a good education,” Cuellar added. “I think it was President John F. Kennedy who said many years ago that the progress of a nation can be no swifter than the progress of its educational system, and this is why [their] work is so important.” Escobar/Rios Elementary is one of 28 schools in the state of Texas to receive this distinction, and will be meeting with the other 312 public and 50 private schools who share this honor at a national convention later this year. Blanca Lopez, the principal of Escobar/ Rios, credited the students, teachers and employees who work to encourage achievement in the classroom. “It’s been a lot of hard work, and it’s paying off,” Lopez said. “Student success has always been at the forefront of what we believe here at Escobar/Rios Elementary. Hard work, commitment and teamwork contributed to this accomplishment.” Dr. Sharon Roberts, the MCISD Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, spoke highly of the feat accomplished at Escobar/Rios. “This is something major, it is the highest honor you can achieve in the United States,” Roberts said. “Here at Escobar/Rios, 99 percent of our kids are Hispanic, 88 percent are

economically disadvantaged, 45 percent that are English learners and 76.19 percent are atrisk.” Roberts explained that at-risk students are in danger of dropping out of school, and that setting the foundation for promoting the benefits of an education starts at the elementary level. “We want them to go on and accomplish their dreams,” Roberts said, thanking the teachers and staff for contributing to that positive impact. “[The teachers and staff] said ‘You know what? It doesn’t matter where they come from, they can do it and they will do it,’ and [they] proved that.” Mission Mayor Armando O’caña, who worked in education for over four decades before retiring earlier this year, said the city was proud to have an elementary representing them at the national level. O’caña challenged the teachers and staff to maintain this year’s success moving forward. “It didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen by a single individual,” O’caña said. “100 percent closing the gap doesn’t happen easily. Bragging rights are there.” During the congratulatory address, Cuellar also presented MCISD with a check for $367,374 in federal funding, received through the Dept. of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office School Violence Prevention program. The grant funding will be used to improve security at K-12 schools in Mission CISD through evidence-based school safety programs, according to a press release from Cuellar’s office. “By improving school security infrastructure and providing training to teachers, school administrators and law enforcement, we can prevent senseless and tragic violence in our community,” Cuellar said. Cuellar added that with the increase of school violence-related incidents occurring across the country, keeping students safe is a top priority for providing the best learning environment. “We’re not in a perfect world, sometimes there are outside influences, or influences that come in and affect the work that you do,” Cuellar said. “This is why this grant is important: to make sure that we provide a safe place for our students to learn.”

ENROLLMENT CENTER FREE CONSULTATION NO CALL (956)929-1520 OBLIGATION CRISTA WESTON LICENSED AGENT C: (956) 929-1520

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702 E GRIFFIN PKWY MISSION, STE 4, TX. 78572