Friday, January 3, 2020 _PT ISSUE

The City of La Joya would like to invite the public to participate in its Angel Christmas Tree.

All Donations will benefit

You can make a difference by making a donation today.

No amount is too big or too small.

• 50¢ minimum per Angel • Your donation will go a long way and the City of La Joya will match every donation.

• Angel Christmas Tree is located at: La Joya Public Utility Dept.

701 E. Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas 78560

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Progress times Vol. 48 - #19

Friday, January 3, 2020

50¢ cents

www.ptrgv.com

THE PROGRESS TIMES’ YEAR IN REVIEW

A look back on the top stories of 2019

By Jamie Treviño New years bring more time for growth, at both the public and private levels.

2019 included several stories from the Progress Times that we are proud to have brought our readership. Thanks to you, we are able to reflect on last year as we embark on 2020.

Below are some of the highlights of 2019

that we felt encompass the ever-evolving area we find ourselves in, and the true exemplifications of the culture and people making our community unique.

Changes in Mission Landscape and Leadership The city of Mission underwent several changes in leadership, and grew with several additions and events that drew people in.

Mission became more pet-friendly, open-

ing two dog parks at Bannworth Park and hosting events for the Mission Pawsible Animal Shelter. The Mission Tennis Center finished construction and was opened in a special evening ribbon cutting.

Randy Perez became the city attorney for Mission, and Gus Martinez went from city council member Place 4 to city attorney following a year in office. Martinez was replaced by pharmacist and business owner

Out of this World

Alberto Vela.

New activities and events entered the schedule, including the city’s first Mission Arts Festival, the incorporation of pickleball in the Parks & Recreation spring lineup, market days and pet fairs. The Boys & Girls Club got a new director (J.J Guerrero), and the organization opened their newly expanded Bannworth Park location, now complete with

See YEAR IN REVIEW Pg. 5

• LA JOYA

Juarez-Lincoln High School senior earns full ride to Yale

By Jamie Treviño

Senior Christian Martinez had his college plans set before the end of the fall semester.

Martinez, a senior at Juarez-Lincoln High School in the La Joya Independent School District, received

See FULL RIDE Pg. 8

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Christian Martinez, a senior at Palmview High School, stands by a display in his honor the day after finding out he received a full ride to Yale University.

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

The intergalactic winners of the TCF Product Costume Showcase pose with Santa.

• MISSION

Stellar costumes embody Space Odyssey Adventure theme for TCF

By Jamie Treviño Three separate competitions kicked off the Texas Citrus Fiesta early, getting youth and adults excited to participate in the annual festivities in January.

The 83rd annual Texas Citrus Fiesta, themed “Space Odyssey Adventure,” inspired several film-themed costumes for this year’s Product Costume Show. The costumes and floats were designed to give upcoming

generations a taste of the out-of-this-world activities they can participate in during the TCF. The first weekend of TCF included the Shoebox Float Competition, sponsored by the Progress Times, the Product Costume Show run by TCF and the Ultimate Grapefruit Pie Baking Contest, sponsored by the Mission Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

The three competitions were held at Krysta’s Event

Center on Sat. Dec. 14, 2019.

“We are celebrating 83 years of honoring the citrus industry through a series of events leading up to a coronation of King Citrus, Queen Citrianna the 83rd and Princess Anna the 70th, which will take place in January,” Kelly Ortega, the mistress of ceremonies for the day, said.

“Only in the Rio Grande Valley will you see costumes such as these, made from a variety of agricultural products grown locally.”

Shoebox Float Competition The Shoebox Float Competition is open to fourth and fifth grade students from the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, the La Joya Independent School District and the Sharyland Independent School District.

Sponsored by the Progress Times, the competition this year incorporated citrus

See TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA Pg. 4

• LA JOYA

Prosecutors say former La Joya Housing Authority director participated in illegal scheme

By Dave Hendricks Frances Salinas, the former interim executive director of the La Joya Housing Authority, was arrested Dec. 23 on a federal wire fraud charge.

Frances A. Salinas, 52, of La Joya and Sylvia Garces Valdez, the former vice chairwoman of the housing authority board, participated

See FRANCES SALINAS Pg. 9

Frances A. Salinas, 52, of La Joya was arrested on Dec. 23 in San Antonio. (Photo courtesy of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.)

Time is money. Manage both with online banking, our mobile app, or even by phone.

• NEW Mobile Banking App With La Joya FCU, • Mobile Deposit you can choose what is • Online Bill Pay convenient for you.

• Vehicle Loans as low as 3.65% apr* CALL OR CLICK TODAY! (956) 585-6207

*Must live or work in Hidalgo County

Some conditions may apply. APR: Annual Percentage Rate.

www.lajoyafcu.com

Insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender.

LOCATIONS IN

LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

page 2

January 3, 2020

www.ptrgv.com

EVENTS

CALENDAR

January 4 – Persons of all ages can join with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine students for the monthly Walk with a Future Doc (WWAFD). It begins at 9 a.m. at the Bronc Trail, 1214 W. Schunior St., Edinburg, near the parking lot on the west side of the medical school. The event is free, and preregistration is not required. For more information, go to walkwithadoc.org.

January 7 – In the Super Stacker Young Adventurers class, children ages 2 to 5 will build structures using KEVA planks and count aloud as they read “Stack the Cats” at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the class from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Cost is $3 for IMAS members and $10 for nonmembers (includes child and adult). Call 956-6812800 for information or to register.

January 25 – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) hosts UTRGV Department of Philosophy Dr. Bradley Warfield presenting “Why We’re Often So Bad at Talking to Each Other Online” at 2 p.m. Warfield offers a perspective to explain why has developed a lack of quality, respectful discourse online. The talk is included with museum admission.

Call 956-681-2800 for information. IMAS is located at 1900 W. Nolana Ave., McAllen.

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

Employees surprised with MCISD Education Foundation awards

The Mission Consolidated Independent School District (MCISD) Prize Patrol recently made their rounds throughout the district presenting checks to the grant recipients and scholarship recipients.

Members of the foundation, district board of trustees and central office administrators walked in with loud noise makers and horns surprising the recipients in celebration of their accomplishment.

A total of eight scholarships in the amount of $1000 were handed out to district employees. Those employees receiving scholarships included Yolanda Hinojosa, Mims Elementary; Elizabeth Cano, Mims Elementary; Marazul Orozco, Alton Elementary; Sylvia Galvan Lopez, Mission High; Lorena Lopez, Mission High, Barbara Gonzalez, Pearson Elementary; Juan Carlos Garcia, Pearson Elementary, and Oscar Treviño, MCISD transportation department.

There were also eight mini grants of $1000 presented to employees with special plans and project ideas that will benefit students and student learning. The mini grant recipients were Esau Peña, Veterans Memorial High; Irma Castro, Veterans Memorial High; Nathan Salazar, Mims Elementary; Miguel Moreno, Alton Memorial Jr. High; Daisy Vasquez, Cantu Elementary; Maria G. Rodriguez, Escobar/Rios Elementary; Sylvia Vela, Capt. J. Castro Elementary; and Elizabeth Adkins, Leal Elementary – School of Technology & Engineering.

The Mission CISD Education Foundation hosts several fundraising activities throughout the year to provide the funds for the scholarships and grants. The education foundation also provides scholarships to graduating seniors at the end of the school year.

VMHS choir students earn spots in region choirs

After recent auditions, several Veterans Memorial High School students have earned positions in various Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region XV choirs. Shelby Guerra, pictured at left, has earned a spot in the TMEA Region XV District Treble Choir. Four other VMHS students earned positions in the TMEA Region XV Regional Choir. Pictured on the right, they are, left to right, Karin Padron, Samuel Gonzalez, Micaela Flores, Amanda Ruiz. Samuel Gonzalez also earned the additional honor of making the Pre-Area Choir and will now compete in January for a spot in the TMEA All-State Choir.

Knights selling fundraiser BBQ tickets Mission’s Council #2698 of the Knights of Columbus is planning a Texas Bar-B-Q for Sunday, Jan. 19. According to the organizers, 100 percent of the funds raised are donated back into the community in a “neighbors helping neighbors” effort.

For $9 a plate, the fundraiser offers up top sirloin butt, cole slaw, ranch beans

and trimmings. It will be a take-out service only from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plates can be picked up at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church parish hall at 1119 Francisco St., Mission.

For advance tickets, contact any Knights member or Tim Nensel at 319-321-0236.

Plates can also be purchased at the door.

Quinta Mazatlan to host beginner’s bird watching McALLEN – The Center for Urban Ecology is hosting the first Hobbies in Nature session of 2020, “Begin to Birdwatch,” presented by urban ecologist John Brush. It will be held at Quinta Mazatlan this Saturday, Jan. 4, for a two-hour program beginning at 2 p.m. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset.

After the introduction, guests will go through attend a boot camp to learn binocular tips and tricks.

“You can see a lot of birds without binoculars,” said ur-

ban ecologist John Brush.

“But there are some cool details that binoculars bring to light.”

Guests can put their new skills to use on a guided bird walk, where they will get to look for show-off kiskadees, chatty green jays, and the elusive Common Pauraque (master of camouflage).

The program fee is $5 per person. The Hobbies in Nature program is designed for adults and older youth. For more information, call 956681-3370.

Coming Attractions

January 11-February 8 • The Mission Historical Museum (MHM) 14th Annual Quilt Show will be on display at the museum, 900 Doherty in downtown Mission. An awards reception, with Turning of the Quilts program, will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Admission is free. For information, call 956-580-8646.

January 18 • The International Museum of Art & Science will host a landscape painting workshop for seniors at 10 a.m. The workshop includes a historical look at landscapes and a look at works in the IMAS collection. Those who register will paint their own landscape with acrylics. Instructor is Roni Cortez. Cost is $10 per person and includes museum admission.

January 28 • The UTRGV Patron of the Arts Distinguished Artists Series spring concerts include a performance on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at 7 p.m. on the Edinburg Campus, by The Low-Frequency Trio. Founded in 2016 by Antonio Rosales (bass clarinet), Juan José García (doublebass), and José Luis Hurtado (piano), its members are active in the international contemporary music scene, and have collaborated with more than 20 young and established composers in the creation and performance of innovative new works for their unique instrumentation. The complete schedule and tickets are available at patron.utrgv.edu.

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

Pt

Progress times For the latest news and updates

www.ptrgv.com

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

January 3, 2020

page 3

www.ptrgv.com

UTRGV SOM to host first bioethics symposium

VMHS mariachi advances to state competition The Veterans Memorial High School Mariachis Toros de Plata will head to Seguin in February for the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators (TAME) state competition. The Toros de Plata competed in the TAME Area contest and earned a Division I rating, advancing them to the state competition.

This will mark the group’s fifth trip to state competitions.

Members this year include Araaly Aguilar, Dan Aguilar, Aliyah Arredondo, Sonia Galvan Garza, Kitana Garza, Gerardo Juarez, Vanessa Luna, Alexcis Pina, Angel Rios Fajardo, Brandon Salinas, Seihda Valverde and Audrey Vela. In order to advance to state competitions, the mariachis must show exemplary understanding and application of tone, technique, and musicianship. The group is pictured during their performance at the Area round.

MCISD students advance to area art competitions

The Mission Consolidated Independent School District MCISD) Fine Arts Department recently held its first Cultura de Arte Challenge for junior high school and high school students.

During this challenge, students had three hours to create a still life, dry media artwork based upon items placed at the center of a room. The top five junior high school and top five high school students have now advanced to the area level competition in January.

MCISD junior high students advancing are Valeria Castillo, first place, R. Cantu Jr. High; Stacy Molina,

second place, Alton Memorial Jr. High; Logan Martinez, third place, R. Cantu Jr. High; Gildardo Jimenez, fourth place, K. White Jr. High; and Dayanna Hernandez, fifth place, Alton Memorial Jr. High.

MCISD high school students advancing include Michael De Leon, first place, Veterans Memorial High; Mikaela Martinez, second place, Veterans Memorial High; Jesse Ortega Garcia, third place, Mission High; Sergio Vasquez, fourth place, Mission High; and Victor Esparza, fifth place, Mission High.

EDINBURG – The UTRGV School of Medicine’s Institute of Bioethics and Social Justice is hosting the inaugural Clinical Bioethics Symposium Jan. 25 and 26 at the UTRGV School of Medicine auditorium, 1210 W. Schunior St., Edinburg.

The two-day conference will gather leaders in clinical and academic bioethics to explore ethical questions and concerns in healthcare.

The conference is intended for medical experts, ethics committees, healthcare professionals, administrators, and all levels of university students who are training for the medical field.

Speakers include Matthew Wynia, MD, University of Colorado-Denver; Trevor Bibler, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine; Paul Wolpe, PhD, Emory University; James Castillo, MD, Doctor’s Hospital at Renaissance, McAllen; Deepu

George, PhD, UTRGV School of Medicine; Claudio J. Kogan, MD, UTRGV School of Medicine; Rev. Steven Smith, PhD, Valley Baptist Medical Center; Alice Marcee, DVM, JD, UTRGV School of Medicine; and Henry Weisman, MD, UTRGV School of Medicine.

The goals of the symposium are to equip participants with up-to-date information

in clinical ethics relevant to their practice, and to provide approaches to ethical reasoning that clarify ethical problems.

The event also will focus on training participants to facilitate professional discussion of ethical challenges and decision making in healthcare, and will encourage professional networking for ongoing dialogue, support and collaboration.

Attendees must preregister by Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020; registration fee is $200. To register, visit utrgv. edu/som/institute-of-bioethics-and-social-justice/symposium/index.htm.

For special accommodations or more information, contact Mallaly Aleman at 956-296-1551 or Mallaly.

Aleman@utrgv.edu.

KWJH students make TMEA All-Region Band Ten students from K. White Jr. High School (KWJH) recently earned positions to be part of the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Band which performed recently. Achieving the honor were Elise Estrella, Deseray Barraza, Bernardo Hurtado, Jayson Tristan, Cesar Sanchez, Juan Benitez, Lucian Sustaita, Angel De La Garza and Marshall Solis.

Isidro Casanova

Mary Salinas

Reynaldo Acosta

Laura Mendiola Macias

MAYOR

COMISSIONER

Roger Hernandez COMISSIONER

COMISSIONER

COMISSIONER

Jacqueline Bazan

CITY ADMINISTRATOR

Julianita Sabala CITY SECRETARY

AMJH students make TMEA All-Region Band Six students from Alton Memorial Jr. High School (AMJH) recently performed as a part of the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region Band, after qualifying through special auditions. The AMJH students who made the All-Region Band are, back row from left, Marcus Espinoza, Carlos Luna, Jose Garcia and Ruben Soliz, and, front row, same order, Camila Marin and Brianda Cruz.

Start off 2020 with an adorable addition to the family. This is Tigger. He is a shepherd mix, about a year old and is extremely playful and friendly. If you would like to make Tigger part of your family, contact the Mission Pawsible Program at 956-5808741, M-F, 8AM-5PM. The City of Mission Animal Shelter is located at 227 Abelino Farias, and is open throughout the week and on Saturdays - 9AM to 4PM. The cost to adopt is $50, which includes: Spay/Neuter, Rabies Shot, First Vaccine, Microchip and Deworming. To view more animals in the Mission Pawsible Program, visit missiontexas. us.

Sponsored by Jerry Saenz, Agent

1211 Conway Ave • Mission TX 956-585-2715

You Are Invited To Worship at

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Worship Service SUNDAY English 9:30 am Español 11:00 am

3 Mile Line & Bentsen Palm Drive Mission, TX 78574

(956) 585-3261

From City of La Joya Administration and City Commissioners

page 4 from pg. 1

January 3, 2020

www.ptrgv.com

TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA

moons, extraterrestrial creatures and rockets in orbit.

Shoebox floats, made from cardboard shoe boxes and covered completely with Valley product, were presented at the Speer Memorial Library prior to their display.

They were judged on design, workmanship, use of RGV products including citrus, and the overall appeal.

Fourth grade winners were Tyra Alvarez in first place, Marina Gonzalez in second and Leah Sotello in third. Fifth place winners included Zachary Gerlach in first place, Kimberly Arguello in second and Guillermo

Maldonado in third.

Winners and schools received a monetary prize for their efforts in keeping the TCF tradition going.

Grapefruit Pie Competition The Ultimate Grapefruit Pie Baking Showdown, sponsored by the Mission CTA chapter of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, also announced its winners at Krysta’s Event Center. The pie entries were entered and judged that morning.

The pies, judged by appearance, taste and use of Valley grapefruits, featured

the familiar bright tones of Star Ruby, Ruby Red and Rio Red grapefruit. Following the judging and announcement of the winners, audience members could buy a slice of award-winning pie by making a donation of $5.

The first place winner of the showdown was Andrew Solis, second place was Benito Garza and third place was Courtney Stewart.

Product Costume Show The product costume show was broken up into two sections: the costume division and the hat division.

The costume division, broken up into three categories (elementary, teen and adult), contained four entries in total, and the hat division contained two entries.

Models emulated characters and people such as Lola Bunny from “Space Jam,” Hela from “Thor Ragnarok,”

Marvin the Martian from “Looney Toons,” Benny from “The Lego Movie,” and more in both the costume and hat divisions.

Judges were all chosen based on their qualifications with past costume design and TCF experience. They ranked entries based on the overall design, use of Valley citrus product, creativity, workmanship, fit, construction of the costume, and the runway walk.

Costumes, shoes and accessories are covered in citrus, flowers, leaves and vegetables native to the RGV. Any part of the costume shown must be covered in dried product.

The first place winner in the hat division was a hat designed and modeled by Leana Gonzalez. Her hat, modelled after an alien spacecraft, was titled “The Abduction.”

The hat was inspired by a local “legend,” who watered and tendered her own grove of grapefruit trees admired by otherworldly visitors. A freshman at Mission Collegiate High School, Gonzalez covered the hat with burnt grapefruit peel crushed with glitter, orange and grapefruit peel, pumpkin seeds, ground white onion skin, dehydrated grapefruit and grapefruit leaves.

In the elementary division, first place was awarded to the full-body costume of Lola Bunny from the film “Space Jam” designed by Dalia Vivian and modeled by Tyra Alvarez.

The complete costume included Lola’s recognizable body and head, two-piece ensemble top and shorts for her uniform, and a basketball crafted with powdered, burnt grapefruit and manda-

rin orange peels. Burnt and powdered mandarin orange, grapefruit peels, leaves from grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes that were dried, ground and trimmed, mesquite sawdust, powdered pink bougainvillea, purple onion skin, white onion skin, sunflower seeds and blanched pumpkin skins were all utilized to create the total costume.

The Lola Bunny costume also was awarded the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the audience members at the event.

In the teen division, the first place winner was awarded to the Natasi costume, designed by Maria Magdalena Ponce and modelled by Martha Cruz. Natasi is a young lady visiting Earth, contemplating a move to our planet.

The costume included a dress and shoes that showcased a variety of spacethemed motifs, like aliens, stars and planets. Overall, her costume was made up up burnt orange peels, bougainvillea petals, orange slices, grapefruit peel, mandarin powder, sunflowers and dehydrated mandarins. and tangerine slices.

The adult division winner was Destiny Gonzalez, who designed and modeled her costume after Hela from “Thor Ragnarok.” Her costume included a Nordic headdress, bodysuit and boots, which were constructed with burnt and pulverized grapefruit peel and dried and blended lemon leaves.

January 3, 2020 from pg. 1

page 5

www.ptrgv.com

YEAR IN REVIEW

classrooms and office space.

It was the year of workshops in the city of Mission.

The mayor, council and city manager met often to discuss the city’s budget, tax rate and major projects. The tax rate was raised by 3.5 cents, and Mission continues to mull over the Madero Bridge project as they confirmed new roofs for the Speer Memorial Library and the Mission Historical Museum.

2019 was also the year Mission was declared an All-America City - one of ten cities in the nation to earn the annual distinction.

Border Brush-Ups 2019 brought several protests, exhibitions and visitors to the RGV border as the national controversy known as the border wall swelled locally and nationally.

We covered President Donald Trump’s visit to the border (met with protestors and supporters alike), and wrote about his declaration of national emergency that sparked protests. The National Butterfly Center became an environmental and artistic landscape for those against the Border Wall, and protestors advocated for the historic landmarks and native species habiting its potential path.

Local veteran landowners faced land surveys from the Border Patrol, and national reimbursement funding was granted to local governments

and non-profit organizations responding to the humanitarian crisis as migrants flock through the RGV. Major dignitaries visited respite and detention centers, as well as the border wall in construction along the RGV sector of the United States border.

The La Joya Elections (and Housing Authority) The city of La Joya held some major elections this year, the campaigns and buildup of which led to several stories regarding the council, city staff and the Housing Authority.

Prior to campaigns, issues within city leadership and members of the Housing Authority began making waves in March as Mayor Fito Salinas appointed a felon to the Housing Authority board.

The Housing Authority did not meet from Nov. 2018 until March 2019, and in their first meeting back, nothing was approved.

Auditors found evidence of political favors and suspicious financial transactions in the Housing Authority, and suspicious land deals in the city of La Joya. Throughout the saga officials communicated and fought via text message and Facebook profiles.

The Housing Authority director was replaced, then a board member was charged with bribery.

Director Ruben Villarreal

took over, and a food pantry was opened. The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development asked them to fix management and financial issues, and the board agreed.

When it came time for campaign season, incumbent Mayor Salinas faced former police Chief Isidro Casanova, and two commissioners seats were up for grabs. Following a runoff election, Casanova became mayor, and Roger Martinez and Laura Mendiola-Macias became commissioners.

The Valley Mourns Hidalgo County lost two law enforcement officials in the line of duty last year, sparking Valley-wide mourning and a renewed sense of the sacrifices made for residents on a daily basis. Support for their families was overwhelming, and stemmed from empathetic and sympathetic parties grateful for their fallen loved ones.

DPS Trooper Moises Sanchez was shot on April 6 while responding to a car crash. He was left in critical condition, and had a few more months with his family before passing away.

The city of Edinburg mourned, and renamed a street after Sanchez.

Two weeks later, a benefit concert was held to raise money for his wife and children.

On June 20, Mission Patrol Corporal José Luis

“Speedy” Espericueta was shot and killed in the line of duty. He also left behind a wife and two children.

Several events were held in Mission in Speedy’s honor, and his family was supported by not only the entire PD, but the community as a whole. His funeral, packed with family, community and officers from across the country, was held June 25 at Palm Valley Church, where Speedy and his family worshipped every Sunday.

Oct. 4 (his birthday) was declared Jose Luis “Speedy” Espericueta Jr. Day in Mission. The city also renamed a street in his honor and celebrated his legacy at the annual National Night Out. Sister cities in Mexico gave their condolences for Speedy, building an ornate altar for him at the Mission Historical Museum’s Noche de Calacas for Dia de los Muertos.

Big 7 Sports It was a banner year for athletics in the Sharyland, Mission and La Joya school districts. The Big Seven high schools set new records and brought their A-game every week. While all the districts left their everything on the field, Pioneer High School dominated in several sports, making it into the top and reaching the semi-finals before a tight game that they took into overtime.

In the spring we watched as Big 7 athletes strode fur-

ther than ever before in track, powerlifting, soccer, wrestling, golf, softball and baseball.

In the fall, Big 7 football, volleyball, cross country and tennis was featured strongly as athletes pushed the limits and kept their teams competing throughout their seasons.

We documented dozens of students athletes in the Mission, Sharyland and La Joya school districts who signed letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level, often earning large scholarships because of their dedication on the field and in the classroom.

Veterans Celebrated United States military veterans were featured prominently in 2019, and the area brought them to the forefront with special events, a new Veterans Day parade (and weekend of events), ceremonies and funerals for unaccompanied veterans.

The city of Mission started a historic new tradition with a weekend-long celebration of Veterans Day that included a parade and several cook-offs. The events drew families of all shapes and sizes, and highlighted the need for community spirit and camraderie.

Veterans Day events were held in cities and school districts across the county, and veterans and citizens alike honored the sacrifices made by those who serve. We were

there to capture the moments of community support, and wrote about the importance of seeking assistant services.

A free home was constructed and given to a marine corporal and his family in McAllen.

The Progress Times also published feature pieces about the life experiences of veterans who served during World War II and in the Vietnam era. We aim to continue our documentation of history through the eyes of invaluable primary resources.

The Peñitas Elections The incumbent Mayor Rigo Salinas ran against former Mayor Marcos Ochoa in the Peñitas election this year.

Former Peñitas city employee Esmeralda Medina and local educator Osiel Ramos ran for city commission against incumbent commissioners J.R. Flores and Ramiro Loya.

Donors wrote large checks for both parties, and the election swelled before Lopez, Flores and Loya ultimately kept their seats in the city of Peñitas.

Special Events for Special Needs School districts and local organizations offered several large events for people with special needs, highlighting the need present and emphasizing the importance of equality.

La Joya ISD held two

See YEAR IN REVIEW Pg. 8

SPORTSweek

Luciano Guerra

September 21, 2018

Sports Editor

www.ptrgv.com/sports

By John Hamann “Walk-off” is a sports term that has emerged over the past few years, one used to describe the winning of a contest on the game’s last play. There are numerous examples. Kirk Gibson’s pinch hit home run in the bottom of the ninth off of Dennis Eckersley in Game One of the 1988 World Series gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a 5-4 win over the Oakland Athletics. Stefon Diggs’ dash into the end zone after catching a pass from Case Keenum on the last play of the fourth quarter in an NFL play-off game that allowed the Minnesota Vikings to take down the New Orleans Saints in 2018 on a play that has been dubbed the “Minneapolis Miracle.”

As I began reflecting on what I witnessed this past year covering the teams of the Big 7 it was rather easy for me to decide on what I thought the years’ best moments were. The first game

page 6

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

A “walk-off” through 2019 I ever covered for this paper ended with a walk-off.

The Lady Patriots of Mission Veterans came up to bat in the bottom of the seventh inning trailing Sharyland Pioneer 4-3 in a district softball game last April. Freshman Natalie Cardenas and senior

Sharyland’s Thierry Mesias and a Valley View defender go headto-head as they battle for control of the ball during the second half of the Tigers 4-3 win (in penalty kicks) over the Rattlers. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra (April 6, 2019)

catcher Justine Galvan started the comeback with back to back hits and Veterans tied the game on pitcher Jazmine

Villarreal’s RBI single. Another single from junior outfielder Arielle Quijada plated the game winner as the Lady Patriots won 5-4.

Thus began my introduction to sports in the Big 7.

There has not been much of a letdown either. Each week and each sport I covered had its’ own share of exciting moments. Teams from the Big 7 garnered numerous district titles and post season victories. A good number of individual athletes posted outstanding accomplishments as well.

Still it is the walk-offs I’ll

remember most.

One of the top stories of this past year was the Sharyland Pioneer baseball teams’ playoff run all the way to the Class 5A state semi-finals.

That run included a memorable regional final matchup against rival Sharyland High that the Diamondbacks won in a two game sweep at UTRGV. What many may not recall is the best of three bi-district match-up against Corpus Christi Veterans in May. After dropping Game 1, the Diamondbacks found themselves down 1-0 in the

January 3, 2020

THE

BIG7 SCHOOLS

bottom of the seventh inning in what would be, if the lead held, a season ending loss in Game 2. Down to their last out, Pioneer rallied to tie it and, one inning later, win it 2-1 on an Angel Nunez RBI double. Evan Maldonado pitched a complete game for the Diamondbacks to aid the effort. After falling behind early in Game 3, another comeback resulted in a 7-2 win that kept their history making season moving forward.

The drama continued this past fall with a pair of games on the gridiron and one on the volleyball court.

Trailing 35-31 the La Joya Palmview Lobos football

See 2019 SPORTS Pg. 7

La Joya DH Hugo Cantu slides into third base safely as the Brownsville Lopez third baseman makes a circus catch in the Lobos’ 12-4 non-district game win over the Coyotes. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra (March 2, 2019)

83rd Texas Citrus Fiesta “Space Odyssey Adventure” Royal Reception

Saturday, January 11, 2020 Balli’s Terrance Event Center - 1509 Industrial Blvd. Mission $50 p/p

Mission Veterans senior running back Danny Cantu stiff arms a Palmview Lobos defender during the second quarter of the Lobos’ 37-35 last second victory over the Patriots. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra (November 1, 2019)

Coronation of King Citrus & Queen Citrianna Thursday, January 23, 2020 - 7pm Mission High School - Neuhaus Gym $5 General Seating - $10 Reserved Seating

Parade of Oranges

Saturday, January 25, 2020 - 3pm Parade run south on Conway Ave. from FM 495 to 1st St. - Mission, TX

Members of the Juarez-Lincoln Huskies boys track team take time out from their training to pose for a team photo. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra (April 15, 2019)

Fun Fair

10am - 10pm, Saturday, January 25, 2020 Live Music, Food, Vendors, Craft Vendors & Much More Leo Peña Placita Park - 9th St. & Conway Ave. - Mission, TX

Heart of America Carnival January 18 thru January 26, 2020

TCF Annual Fahion Show

(April 2020) Date and Time TBA - $20 Fashion Show and Luncheon

TCF 2nd Annual Sanctioned Vaquero Cook-Off (May 2020) Date, Time, Entry Fees TBA

For more information call or stop by Texas Citrus Fiesta Office 2220 E. 9th St. - Mission, Tx • (956) 585-9724

Pioneer junior quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger attempts to hurdle over a Juarez-Lincoln defender during the second quarter of the Diamondbacks’ 57-14 non-district game victory over the Huskies. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra (September 5. 2019)

January 3, 2020 from pg. 6

2019 SPORTS

team knocked off Mission Veterans in early November when Alexis Gonzalez snagged a tipped pass from David Gonzalez out of the air in the back of the end zone to score on the game’s last play to defeat the Patriots 37-35.

Unfortunately, not every big moment in 2019 produced a happy ending.

The Sharyland Lady Rattlers lost a five set heartbreaker to the Edcouch-Elsa Lady Jackets in a bi-district volleyball contest a few days after the Palmview-Veterans football game. While not technically a walk-off, there still has to be a final winning point made to end a match and the way this match went back and forth, particularly the final game, it definitely had the feel of any of the other previously mentioned contests. Seniors Tristan Maddox, Marissa Jones and Andrea Espinoza had big games along with junior Ana

page 7

www.ptrgv.com Paola Cerda and sophomore Marianna Martinez.

The Mission Eagles 3835 overtime loss to the Laredo United Longhorns in a bi-district football play-off game in mid-November also ended on the games’ last play.

After a late game touchdown pass from Jeremy Duran to Jose Cortez III forced overtime, the Eagles took a three point lead on a Rene Rodriguez field goal on their first possession. The Longhorns won it a few plays later with an 11-yard touchdown pass on their first possession.

To me these contests were, however, about much more than a big win or a tough-to-handle loss. Each contest was an important one in the overall setting in which it occurred. The Lady Patriots were fighting for a play-off spot. The Lobos secured a play-off spot with their victory. The other three contests occurred in the post

season; either extending, or ending, a team’s season.

Each contest also required a comeback in order to set up the finish. The Lady Patriots, Diamondbacks and Lobos all trailed going into the end stages of their eventual victories. The Lady Rattlers were down 2-0 after the first two games of their contest and had to win two games of their own to force a fifth one.

The Eagles trailed numerous times in their game and needed a long touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

That’s something to think about as we start a new year.

We are all probably going to have some big moments.

We may even have to make a comeback. Whatever the case may be here’s hoping you start off (and walk-off) with a great 2020.

Progress Times photos by Mario Magallon.

SHARYLAND ISD BASKETBALL MVP’S

Go Rattlers & Diamondbacks!

Thank you Sharyland ISD School Board for Supporting our Athletes!

Good Luck To All The Teams!

Alberto Vela, R. Ph. 583-2700 1242 E. Bus. 83, #7 Mission, TX

Fred Moron, R. Ph. 581-5499 2120 E. Griffin Pkwy. Mission, TX

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL 2019-2020 SEASON

MVP OF THE WEEK SHARYLAND PIONEER HIGH SCHOOL

#5 Miguel Angel Gonzalez

#10 Jordan Bravo

SHARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL #21 Ricky Cantu

#1 Daylah Vega

PALMVIEW HIGH SCHOOL #3 Josh Raya

#5 Matilde Pagano

JUAREZ-LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL #2 Raymond Camara

#21 Abigail Peña

LA JOYA HIGH SCHOOL

V

#24 JC Barrientos

#13 Melady Renteria

VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

#22 Jacob Marquez

#23 Kaylee Flores

MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

#1 Eddie Rivero

#10 Bailey Hernandez

NOTHING BUT NET!

V

VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL

MISSION HIGH SCHOOL

Go Coyotes, Lobos & Huskies!

page 8 from pg. 1

FULL RIDE

word in December that he received a full-ride to Yale University, a private Ivy League school in Connecticut. The scholarship will cover all he needs to live and study there, along with travel expenses.

“It’s something that I really need, coming from this

from pg. 5

January 3, 2020

www.ptrgv.com background,” Martinez said.

“We usually don’t have the money to go to these kinds of schools with high tuition prices, so having that opportunity is not something I’m going to take for granted.”

Juarez-Lincoln Principal Ricardo Estrada said everyone at the school was proud

YEAR IN REVIEW

Special Needs Family Nights at the Aquatic Center in the summer months, which grew in size as over 600 attendees gathered for an evening. Students with special needs from across the Rio Grande Valley were invited, along with their families, to a handicap-accessible water park complete with a lazy river, water slides, pools and a splash pad.

A prom organized by the Capable Kids Foundation was held at the Mission Event Center, and students with special needs got to experience a Starry Night of dancing. There, they were able to make friends, and had the spotlight shine on them as they entered on a red carpet.

We were there when Hidalgo County opened its first all-inclusive outdoor park, which is accessible for any and all who did not have complete access to a park until now. It features accessible swings, gliders, merry-go-rounds, sensory walls, roller slides and a splash pad all designed specifically for children with special needs.

Memorial Services for Canines A new tradition was born that aimed to celebrate the public service provided by man’s best friend. Mission and Palmview honored the canines in blue who passed away this year with memorial services that highlighted their legacy in the police departments.

K9 Officer Cezar, a longcoat German Shepherd who served his partner Officer

Alexandria Leal and the Mission PD, passed away. The city held a special memorial in his honor, and Leal was able to speak about his legacy as K9 officers from across the county saluted him one last time.

K9 Officer A’zeus, a Belgian Malinois who served his partner Corporal Cosme A. Muñiz III and the Palmview PD, passed away. As they did with Cezar, K9 officers saluted A’zeus’ ashes one by one as Muñiz said the hardest day in his career of law enforcement was the day A’zeus passed.

Mission Mayoral Election Lawsuit 2019 included the aftermath of the Mission mayoral election between councilman-turned-Mayor Mayor Armando O’caña and former Mayor of two decades Norberto Salinas. Salinas’ resulting lawsuit alleging voter fraud (among other things) brought cries of both support and dismissal from the public as the overall impact of the lawsuit wound down.

O’caña spent over $57,000 in legal fees. The 13th Court of Appeals sided with O’caña, reversing the ruling of District Judge J. Bonner Dorsey. They denied the contest suit, and Salinas took the case to the Texas Supreme Court.

Salinas asked them to review the election, and the court set due dates for all briefs were set in October.

On Dec. 13 Texas Supreme Court said they would not review the 2018 Mission mayoral election, but attorneys

of Martinez and his accomplishments.

“Four U.S. Presidents got into this school [Yale],” Estrada noted. “He’s a very humble student.”

Santos Palomo, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Academy Director

at Juarez-Lincoln, said Martinez was an example for STEM students throughout the district.

“He’s a very determined and self-directed, and ambitious in the manner that he knows where he wants to go, he’s set on that end goal and nothing is going to stray

for Salinas may file a motion for rehearing.

School Districts Serve LJISD, MCISD and SISD succeeded several times over as they shifted from one school year to the next, and made efforts to give back to the populous that they serve.

The Texas Education Agency gave several high distinctions to La Joya, Mission and Sharyland in 2019.

Mission and La Joya also earned achievements as they each had a campus named as a National Blue Ribbon School, earning major recognition in South Texas.

La Joya and Mission also designated specific campuses at the elementary level with focuses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and Fine Arts.

Mission became a District of Innovation, and memorialized the students who passed away on the 30th anniversary of the infamous Alton Bus Crash.

All three districts took wins at the Pigskin Band competition, and took their musical talents to new volumes with colorful and movement-driven performances. Mission and La Joya’s respective Back to School Bashes provided countless students with school supplies, backpacks, haircuts and information just in time for the new school year.

New Website, New Look The Progress Times website recently underwent some cosmetic changes. Our content offered in it is the same, but you’ll find a more

streamlined interface that is story- and advertiser-friendly.

We are also starting to offer an online edition of our paper if you are a subscriber, and you will be able to access the latest news a day earlier than everyone else.

If you would like to subscribe online it can be done by clicking on “Subscribe” under the “Contact Us” tab at the top of our home page.

You’ll find five packages you can choose from.

You can get a subscription to a print and online copy of the Progress Times for $35 in-county, or $45 out of county. For a print-only copy, we offer $25 in-county or $35 out of county.

You can also choose our online-only subscription, which costs only $5 per month. Our rates for current subscribers will not change moving forward.

We at the Progress Times consider ourselves part of what keeps you informed about the latest happenings in our communities. Becoming a subscriber shows your dedication to making some sort of impact that comes from the power of information.

Our doors are always open to you, as we rely on you to continue to learn and grow ourselves. We are open to tips and story ideas, which can be sent to info@ progresstimes.net, and can be reached during our office hours at (956) 585-4893.

him from that,” Palomo said.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to be the astronomer he wants to be.”

During class in December, the email letting him know of his prospects arrived via the scholarship portal he applied through.

“I found out in the middle

Notices Juan Cantu MISSION – Juan Salinas Cantu, 89, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at Solara Hospital in McAllen.

Maria Cisneros MISSION – Maria Ines Cisneros, 83, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019 at McAllen Medical Center.

Ana Flores MISSION – Ana Maria Flores, 80, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019 at her home.

Arnulfo Gonzalez MISSION – Arnulfo Elizondo Gonzalez, 78, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg.

Janice Hanson MISSION – Janice Colleen Hanson of Mission passed away on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in McAllen.

Juan Iracheta MISSION – Juan De Dios Iracheta, 72, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Sabas Luna MISSION – Sabas Luna, 68, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at McAllen Medical Center.

Vincent Maher MISSION – Vincent A.

Pt

of class, so I was really excited but I couldn’t really show that emotion as I wanted to,” Martinez said. “Obviously, in the moment I couldn’t believe it actually happened, that I got accepted by my

See FULL RIDE Pg. 10

Maher, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Cesar Moreno LA JOYA – Cesar Eliud Garcia Moreno, 47, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

Enrique Ochoa PEÑITAS – Enrique Ochoa, 55, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019, at his home in Peñitas.

Martin Ramirez ALTON – Martin Ramirez, 98, passed away on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019, at his home in Alton.

Daryl Reeder MISSION – Daryl Cemour Reeder, 89, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at his home in Mission.

Norma Rios MISSION – Norma Chapa Rios, 47, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at her home.

Apolinar Rosales MISSION – Apolinar “Santos” Palomo Rosales, 72, passed away Dec. 27, 2019 in Mission.

Dimas Zamarripa MISSION – Dimas Zamarripa, 39, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at his mother’s home in Mission.

Progress times For the latest news and updates

www.ptrgv.com

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

January 3, 2020 from pg. 1

page 9

www.ptrgv.com

FRANCES SALINAS

in an illegal scheme to secure a public relations contract, according to statements released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.

During the investigation, the FBI reviewed text messages that showed Frances Salinas — the daughter of former La Joya Mayor Jose A. “Fito” Salinas and City Commissioner Mary Salinas — “indicated that she had connections with Official A, a City of La Joya official, who would ensure the approval of the contract and later amendments, if necessary,” according to the criminal complaint against her.

Neither the criminal complaint nor statements released by federal prosecutors identified the city official by name.

“If they’re going to blame anybody, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be me,” Fito Salinas said, adding that he didn’t do anything wrong.

Fito Salinas said neither he nor his wife had discussed the public relations contract with

their daughter.

“There was never, never, any discussion between Frances and us about Sylvia Garces,” Fito Salinas said, adding that he believed Frances Salinas would tell the truth and exonerate him.

Frances Salinas was arrested Dec. 23 in San Antonio, which is part of the Western District of Texas. She will be transferred to McAllen, which is located in the Southern District of Texas, for a detention hearing.

Court records don’t list an attorney for Frances Salinas, who remained in federal custody Dec. 30 and couldn’t be reached for comment. Her father, Fito Salinas, said he believed Frances Salinas would request a court-appointed attorney.

In 2018, the city of La Joya awarded a public relations contract to Sylvia Garces Valdez, a member of the La Joya Housing Authority board.

The contract included an unusual provision: In addition

to $2,000 per month, the city would pay Garces Valdez a $12,000 retainer.

“The public relations contract was subsequently approved and signed by Official A and GARCES on June 12, 2018, and June 13, 2018, respectively,” according to the criminal complaint against Frances Salinas.

The criminal complaint indicated that Fito Salinas is “Official A.” Fito Salinas signed the contract on June 12, according to documents released by the city under the Texas Public Information Act. Garces Valdez signed on June 13 — and La Joya quickly paid her $12,000.

“After GARCES received the initial retainer of $12,000 via check, SALINAS provided GARCES via text message with instructions on how to cash the check and how to divide the taxes on the income,” according to the criminal complaint against Frances Salinas. “Additionally, SALI-

NAS also instructed, via text message, GARCES to deliver $7,000 cash to SALINAS.” Frances Salinas and Garces Valdez discussed the arrangement in text messages and emails.

The public relations contract prompted questions from the beginning.

Garces Valdez, who worked for the La Joya Independent School District and served on the housing authority board, had no relevant experience. She was, however, a friend of Frances Salinas.

They apparently had a falling-out in 2018, when the housing authority board fired Frances Salinas. La Joya terminated the public relations contract in December 2018.

The FBI arrested Garces Valdez in August. She pleaded not guilty to bribery.

Frances Salinas is charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.

Support Your

Community Newspapper

Subscribe Today !

Local Spotl

ight

In Honor of Mission Police

DY” ESPERICUETA CPL. JOSE LUIS “SPEE

H AS 0C umm s S 20 me ss ti N$ gre Pro WI on

moti

ro er P

h

o

m

e

ly Fami

ekly

1, els, win July unf Dra

- #43

Together.

wspa n Ne tow Home Your

ww

w.p

trgv.c

End of Watch 06-20-19

om

ds t od thorwiityth rd aousing Au clash Boissaion Hem bers or

• MI

19 , 20 21

Vol. 47 - #45

SSION

Palmview News

The city is planning borrowin on $2.1 to pay g off several million and approved loans, a $240,000 proposal Palmview to inspect the sewer

INDEX

Entertainment ...pg. 2 LifestyleCit y of Pa .................

Cit y .pg. 3lm

vie

5 Dave Hendrick w an system. Death Noticesof Pa Your Homet We details, inside. s has .....pg. 8lmhu d have the happ own Newsp rst city ening in the lates aper, Bringin of Palm the See Pg. 10 Classifie Sewds g Communities .............pg city of t on what prog er Proje hurst,. 9 Palm Together. ram. ct andincluding view ’s been and the the joini

Progress times See Pg.

Vol. 47 - #44 50¢ cents

• LA JOYA

ther.

In this week’s we highlight spotlight, the Mission First United Church, Methodis celebrate which has recentlyt city. Jose d 110 years in the De Leon us the latest III brings on the church and what they are the communi doing for ty.

SPEEDY

2019 Friday, June 28,

• PALMV

ng the Palmview scoffl aw

See

Friday, July 5, 2019

IEW

Pg. 2

INSIDE

Loca

l Busin

ess Sp

The whic La Joya our h has been Area Fede in busin artic featured ral Area le about spotlight ess forCredit Unio the cont of the FCU 58 n, has mad ribut week! years, is ion the See e to our the

otligh

t

CORR

• MISSIO

Vol. 47 www.p - #49trgv.co 50¢mcen SION ts

N

• MIS

Missio revise n Insura s Health Bene nce for emfits Plan ployee

By Jam s ie Trev

• LA

JOYA

In Miss last wee ion

Frida y, Au gust 2, 20 19

cen

ts

• LA

M d m direct boar utive exec

Palmview City Council thanks ‘foun ding fathe r’

JOYA

es

AS s& ÑIT Park • PE

as on Peñit ati Recre

Sheri ff’s

fun mer Funeral servicecorporal for fallen police Sum draws droves of people

nter S Ce d PAW lighte High

d

Mission proc laims Oct. Jose Luis 4 “Speedy” Espericue ta Jr. Day

to pho

Tim

Consu

me ity r A Grateful Commun Mourns

ive s clus ed lds in ial ne er ho spec Cent n with uatic ildre D Aq r ch LJIS night fo ily fam

knowledge

Familie s floc k to LJI SD for

U.S. Mars arrests starhals Service witness again former State st Judge Rud District y Delgado

gang Offic after member e arrest Hidal murder and his s go Co in weste girlfri e unty rn

Special Needs Family Night

HUD Hous team vis ing Au its La Joya thorit y

What local card surch customers can do about credi arges t

Progress times ion Miss

News

ott g Abb . Gre MPO s Gov RGV Texa oves appr

d ounl-America Al ity b as an ca coCmpete en d Time is mone ek to meri • NEW Mobil y. is we ares e Banking • Mobile App prep alist th Alliss-A • OnlineaDepo ion INSIDE Award Citysit d fin M

Bill Pay All-Americ • Vehicle Loans as

ar

Aw News La Joya City

Miss natio ion busin nal co es mpetis named as tion

INDEX

low as 3.65%

Tim

e is

apr*

We’ll deliver it to you!

www.lajoyafc(956) 585-6207 u.com

20

$

www.la

(956) joyafcu .com 585-62 07

00 In County

rts...... ............pg Spo .9 ............ ..pg ............

Obits eds Classifi

3000

$

LA JOYLOCATIO A • PANS IN LMVIE W Insured

1 year Subscription

1 year Subscription

Out of County

a finali st in

*

X

INDE

money • NE • Mo W Mobile .

• On bile Depos Bankin g App it • Veh line Bill Pay icle Loa ns as low as 3.65% apr

by NCUA.

Equal

housing

lender.

w w w. p t rg v. c o m We now accept debit/ credit card payment over the phone.

1217 N. Conway, Mission, TX • 956.585.4893 email: info@progresstimes.net

General and Cosmetic Dentistry

2132 E. Griffin Pkwy. • Mission, TX 78572

SERVICES: • General Dentistry • Cosmetic & Whitening Dentistry • Restorative Dentistry Implants & Crowns/Bridges

Business Hours: Mon. & Tues. • 8:30am - 7:00pm (Evening Hours) Wed. & Thurs. • 8:30am - 5:00pm (Closed for Lunch 1-2pm • Mon.-Thurs.)

Friday 8:30am - 1:00pm • Sat. & Sun. Closed

Est. 1996

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

65

$

$130 VALUE

• NO INSURANCE PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT • EXAM & X-RAYS • FREE POWER TOOTHBRUSH

956.580.1900 INSURANCE ACCEPTED Utilize Insurance Benefits Before End of 2019 Year

Richard M. M. Lee, DDS

Sharyland Family Dentistry P.C.

Se Habla Español

www.sharylandfamilydentistry.com

Rubi E. Perez, DDS

INSURANCE ACCEPTED IN NETWORK: • Ameritas • Assurant • BCBS • Cigna • Cigna Healthspring • Dearborn National • Dentaquest • Liberty Dental (Molina) • MCNA • Principal Life Insurance • TMHP • TML • United Concordia • United Health Care (Medicare)

Wishing you a

Magical &

Blissful holiday!

& a Prosperous New Year! from the Agua Special Utility District Board of Directors & Staff

Lloyd A. Loya President City of Peñitas

Cesar Rodriguez, Jr. Vice-President City of Mission

Adolfo Arriaga Secretary City of La Joya

Esequiel Ortiz, Jr. Director City of Palmview

Homero Tijerina Director County Place 1

J. E. “Eddie” Saenz, P.E. General Manager & Agua SUD Employees

O

area, La Joya 65th Reg k’s cove insid Your the ann ional e. rage Hom the article iversaryMedical etown Ce See MRMhospital incorrec cele Pg. 5 Newspa C curr hold tly br ently s 110 stated per, Brin houses bed s. ging 297 be Com muniti es Tog ether.

Sharyland Family Dentistry, P.C. SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS CENTER

ECTI

Prog ‘Treasured ress forever’ time Back by po s pular dem an

50¢ cents

La Joya hires attorney history ofwith disciplinary problems as city administra tor

Miguel Photo courtesy de Luna, of the with member center wearing city of Palmview. s and his family. of the Palmview a black suit, City Council This iño • RIO City week the GRA propo Coun Miss cil NDE Heal sed revis appro ion VAL Plan th Insur ions ved LEY to the woul for city ance Bene Fallen Police mate d save theemployee fits ly $620 the proclam Corpora s city PhotoOn approthat ation froml Jose Luis “Speedy honor on

By Dave Wed. ,000. councourtesy xiof the city n III. the Mon. July Hendric cil met July ” Espericu The City Leo or of Mission. ks 1, 2019. city declarinhighl 31,family Council honored De g Oct. foreta’s ightin ect la view last 2019 chan 4, g2019 a work week.

Jose Dir Aya a “founding a shop ,inand by ive sMayor speci ges beforthe as X. father” of propoday his Jacqueli cut me Wedne ognition Rick Villarreal Palmorder al calle e holdi sed presented ne Bazan Exeor Jai d meet ng (Courtesy Palmviewto Miguel de Luna, prove to autho a the certificate of a Jorge Bazan) rity ect at ress of recJune 25. in the 1970s, duringwho pushed rize ing in shop d revis to incorporat ions. the Prog Autho Dir res a City Council view also conta ugh aputya Flo de Luna The g

By Dave meeting one work ined t thro to graduated served in the military the citypresentatio Hendric , Dep

By Jamie usin g. an trac expect z from Texas ks lez er Irm Treviño by the during the gree in education woul n of overzale r A&I University ’t n Ho The La Joya a con mb9 meetin Korean “Speedy” d e recen Gon how sio Gonza ate don Independe be and clea War, The memory with City Commission served EspericueBill tly passeaffec Mis l A. rd me201 was presented “I hav er, I that,” made , eviño. ta, 2. acy of a formation nt School District as a principal a master’s deand ted Edn Jr. Bazan, anhired Jacqueline The emb Joe Boa e 19, fallen patrol leg- lamation with provided a Rive (Phot for 28 years, at the La Joya ie Trev the Sen-of presea procinsur rates thed life poral continues Joya Federal Dec beyondis I’vemembers by the city. a history of attorney with cor- 4, os court at 2nd declaring Jose “Speedy and , Jun according Jam ance ra Credit Union Irm in sourc nted 2019 He n III to echo in by heat his family Oct.by who plan Espericue Luis to go . “Th board esy lems, as disciplinary prob-a day tos board of also served on the inthe ta Jr., r Leo an official(his birthday) of the Mun es as was city administra rn y, rd ber his Mission. and the city of saidstaff, DirecofHumlost directors. life pho me ing La on an day De guia in Tuesday. boa Julio Hidal swo the in his honduty on es or. They e mem tor line senta Re-June ruar go Coun Cesa and attorthe ne.” sumx dur During this Tim See FOUNDIN ay Mission - to were Jos Jacqueline Feb 20,2019 alsotives framed Blue two Noem eryoBoard who was week’s city age given ress t the ple council meeting, nesd G FATHER By ty Sheri r “Jackie” fromsion zan, 43, ing Shiel last ion. repre iof 44,” MisPg. 8 Bapolitical flags from Prog bea Com Wed the ty high rest s BluePolice d ily of Corporal the famza ff' es, • RIO GRAND The local leaders. sister of of La Joya is the g Domingue Cros - Chief Robert of hori tionship’s inte city of Texa shop Flor Gar the mot Mission.

The of E La Joya “The ilies rnin Jose Luis it three year zs read from A boy tion torney Kennedy VALLEY Aut e rela time City At- Photos courtesy of city 25, ting regarhad helds. of Mission with nded find honors citypoten 2019. the ir fam Lea e 18. ding aSee tens organiza , and mee sing Salinas andweek is married here a partGonzaon Tues. June tial plans work TREASUREAquaticenjoys seco“We commemo Espericueta and the rts & Jun to businessm differ D Pg. 9 Cen the for Corporal Hou ted the the members to of any memorial service been on Jorge Bazan, on . revie s ago; - a coup ent and Spo the an ’ve ing flag d diwate ter. during rd ctor member ligh een the La Joya who serves on ds SD Night es saidhear you .

American ap- an that wed the this work le of serv r at time

By Dav er tofolds e direrdGuard betw est boaHonor Housing smal sthe thority board.

• McALLwoul city coun l nee LJI ily and s,” Flor ed Department nev a part director a Aul revis shop cia in the Fam LJIS Progress newexecutiv boa moved houthe e Hen EN d still cil want The Mission Police basi “I’ve ing uty ing to form the ions After mone D Spo ds dric Inves its When Garza million for did Time h speter ed save y. lez. cy hav a dep com ly for about meeting with her ks a mem tigato s rts get , she The the that t ap41 minutes, $1.7 s wit Cen l Nee and photo by nie new with off theh agen or and this is

By Jam • MISSION City Commissi calle priso ber of rs cided optio city Kid uatic Specia spen disLear Con e the ority bud Jamie year wit n gang rect glad For on voted the ed loyrepor d the Sheri to the arrested to make The ent ie Trev ning a murd dedu on willn the city Treviñ Aq ual prov auth fiscal ulation.

5-0 Vero LJIS Vallu Jacqueline t her rd hadminutes ctible last emp uI’m e.” due ng Com artm kick nths grams o. the city administra iño Coun er in weste to $1,00 deweek cos ann son ff’s Offic ing oming stip of Bazan The exec 50 get the vide D Spec nica Garz (indi chan dep has plex mo pro esti ral clos The boa ty.

Ferna wom missing. e $3,00 0, famil vidua ge the tor. tely bud requ “She has upc with onen sixfor the is conan rn Hidaafter The ness a platfo ial Need a, even an said city mer athletic ple ino has l $500 ima the za on seve the Miss ndo Garz ‘Th for worked Sheri divid 0), out-o y $2,00 rm desig s Fami ts other cities the summ lgo so “Sectio tract Hida to the Progress Times eryon and remin Gar peo viñ prox ing as ms, sum eral like says nded period as well,” for Special her forion, hadn a Jr., her son Julio ff’s Officlgo 0 to famil ual $2,00 f-poc tion sion City Commissi e the t con d the ned to ly Nigh This er mont said Coun 22, sev young ie Tre progra exte r yearlyis cuss es and rma s such deci with E. This is deserving t proPeñit Cesar chan y $4,00 0 to ket (inoner Maria e men director held a seemingly endless is comm creat hs.

Garz the past ’t conta of ty -yea “Geny” t Indep Flor e info item y’s Tues l be $3,00 for . Jam on the a nightthe third lined the roadside as a had two days.cted passed Salinas. Thousands with of respe unity e awar Edna as and Deleon, arrested trac Mu-so, just d from ging the 0 to $5,00 tive t shal al onel of the get r. units orit exclu ende July 0, 4 mor responder summ est “And first her backgroun Rive that nt Scho 30, gete auth r conTexas t they his 25, area late refe c“Dia someone been of police and trac ition rova the bud on capit to a an 80/20 coins and sively to at the time the 0), law Pg. of ra, 28, girlfr evservice to honor procession 2019ct.

Nigh er’s secon stayi d in sing thei au- and all that, I think ss specifice dire . bud ol the de. frien mond” stude complex distri add honor perce uranc chan 70/30 more filled a memorial t. Whil nickn See Gran their famil ng and

By Dave n appunle hou extend e carrierand wha They al murd of Missiend, the Spor and thousands d SpecDistrict, the La sing it’s that perce nt plane bering the life, Hendric hod something that’s insi utiv za said upo getEsperison, d. Conc and his amed e day $20 ging ganiz de Valle ies nts with that is ct has said er charg ion, with to ranc gue the hou metneeded. ic Cent ks nt plan, was killed ts andtechnicallyial Need held Joya really hero. a fallen to $30the co-pa

By Jamie Treviño speci y. With from open nothi Like a good emour first witness,” bud roved the exec Gar approve sacrifice of Corporal their Garza’s erned abou girles. ance during the ations that “Speedy” Espericueta Thepay tent chture insu pal Lea this as Learn ng Mon acros al need Miss ersaid way U.S. $35 Marshals s t,’” is to to have everything home moth strucan o out (spec y from Corporal Jose Luis Thursday, June 20th in Mission, app to was t her ing quest cueta.

Peac before a brief to the ion) (loca vice arrested to $45) s the ilies event, word no camethe help er nici rred toinconsis whi with trac Assiss viñ ted at ing Comannual Family smoothly ialist tant U.S. Attorney and the open The Espericueta family, R e ence s con motion d in indicate runline of duty on the the star Espericueta’s eulogy Nothstein, even startewent to derede Jason Justice appearandSerpay andEmer Peter p.m. formed against refe ity’s ning raise projects from SING4 with so inmany sprea togetherof several Rio ed M. by his coworkers, was “She ions. ie Tre wer l AR gencwitness De Leon, chan coits 1801 Westplex Aqua t, former state a prosecutor d ask..an g the Victor tor’ when of the rmi a Missionites and people d male Speedy, as he was called myEsthe U.S. held Deleon Peña, who orlearn y Room ges airs s as Judge Rudy Jam get. approva ndin e di- t thor dete get a mourned given by • LA District N HOU Pg. that we haveTx. with doors again ern After presc Acco the long line quickly, to sponsor • PH and bud Departme witho s riptio com-definition of a public servant. and elch tube across the country Corporal Bobbie’s brother “So Rive later idented from Rd. t- Victo By knew of SIO ing.” tice Public abou of ees Delgado utiv rding night starte coJOY nt Tuesday, and very outsi askin “Loo ut bond Rivera orn co-pa to wrap need in wheinner The City the s this are exte IntegrityA of Jushim personally or justwonderful on which brother-in-law. r Garz a feified de beforfamexecyear. Tha to gotte ra that howhoursg quest the loss of Police in, huh,” ks like woul t just ploy See MIS ial shed he was be . this pericueta’s tom y. this Commissi Whether you knew up is handling Section, as Edna hired Jacqueline a, theyLJISD d. the Bobbie d impa thesebefore we with n into Fernando Cus in for spec spla park e 6 Jose Luis Espericueta on he was the embodiment of what a helping hand left theyscheduled Peña it just De Leon said that doe Athle Joel Deputy se- t of another ter interviewi chanions Perez claimed the case.

Bazanhim, the room too trac decid ctto testify. an ed with ilieswater . said not to be that See SPEC were prepa tic Direc marshals amon a male on their afweek. for: always lending gesbribed Delgado empl ” ctor ed to Noeplan argum had that he ed to arrested ng four appliafter sunk trad dren r fam served asked him the eulogy, conbecants.

Perez community stands a smile. This was evident in the becau oyee ary , comm or for ion. Dire had d” and nicknamed ent Jr., se Espericueta, who they tor IAL NEED red for from Janu58, ofappro king len finan chil thei a trueTuesday k, the 2008 to November Cour facial expre De- rious during rect mot ve respond — ancial McAlve s, entin Businessm and doing it with ool attorney of the cordi pulled a that “Dia “Dithan attorn t recor been shown since that the Mission Police was cause that’s how Espericueta S NIGH up to cuti z and nd in this this wee ed The who is my ssion g by guilty 2016. ng mond of support that has a disc jockey an John Pena, revis plead- the “During circu gun t Sch citizens will Exe zale to bribing wanted it.

Rive eys for ds don’t T Pg. s. partment for 13 years, arou erience e 18 den annualht Depu to court msta city’s conspiracy the course of the ” out,” —inclu who heads outpouring of Mission and its Delgado of duty would have de theions conti La Joya these Gon motion Tuesday 2 iño. nces. Judge By , Defendant car, ties recor preparing reach ra, who Dele ofonbuy-u acfateful day. The city the list killed in the line exp On JunIndepen r 2ndily Nigthe • MIS morning, “As I was A. za’s Deputy Dav nued susimple Delgado ed paid board andHousing Authority ily myself, go, a maroon found ds. thei couldon and ieI Trev a revis U.S. asked in p plan SION . while chasing an armed forever be in his debt. mentsaidto or other items e with Marshal Gar serves on The for Hen money to Speedy and every Lara, fam Joy Jam Joya Economic June 20, remarks ter a spokesma Juan ation change also the follo Dodge Garza’s like to be The the La on July invescomment. n’t be ds Fam optio ions Joeying of valuedric La trict held by would community is indebted and badge to the nprem pect on Thursday, her ces dur Cen Complex ‘how wing federal Dura ks Hous for U.S. tigati ns, in exknown tos for iums ment Corp.

Develop- Our suffe found Garz agency. the favorable De Leon bra and prem puts on their vest, uniform, 25, when g families Dis cial Neeatic nday. drug retire on starte Depajudicial 2019. Affectionately pho remembered?’” red opme ingion,” and everyone of board; policeother officer that nde em Center it’s true he dedEsThe bribery e plan , considerat each They and Chief many, es Alca see, rtmen to a, list Spethe AquLearnin You a iums Adolfo ds “Speedy” Gra ial nt dispa Urba who a wom d as “We toweste guns with the every shift. according Tim his zar said. empl Delgado the criminal ic “While optio t of . case against former SullivanArriaga andbefore By behind had plans hot n Deve at rts & t drewRio spec iwill scheduled follows this routine See HIDA s an ns against l nee uat life to his career as Jose informatio pericueta leaves ress individuals tions oyees tosaid she Mon rnPerez. woun start Wednesda : a is be Hida tched De Leon not make it home after that cia ines these selfless Aq icated hisofficer, he also enager Juan City Roberta Spo even ss the ided cess chan a teamn l- aged years, to occasions, from LGO d lgo“On asked wife of 21 Prog bus ceeds y havin they may III Luis spe Esperier or day to deter ge tobase plan McAllen. a police morning Cedillo Man- knowledge the lowed businesses g in Counsometo COU HUDansw The acro provdicap-ac Cpl. Jose viewed view Defendant With that De hLeon at internot the on June 27. ess l that two optio NTY his side hustle as our “Bobbie”t wit ter inclu members and er quesing nearly one-third ed, mine ty on is customers to charge “Mr. that from ey and han buy-u of American two children: joyed TV star.” danger The City succ ds shift.

Perez locaated proCen n we isngoing La Joya would whet and theiring 3 as will up to four Pg. 9 of the encourcuetaden John ding high court. with Authority “Speedy” Espericueta carry an inherent resident SSION s using cent forofficers Vall s and s. the Commissi iño.

Nee held a special Mun p plan will call can take the cards every tore-be per- something feder See STAR Every use of a credit A We could stu swimm Brianna and appeared on credit board Housh- Depa Pena, board WITNESS don PAWS adoptio le on is comp yet, these Espericueta A19-year-old and needamenitieng Special Athletal regul day, chancA see • MI chan guia said.as reviehave a noon Tuesday, meeting “It's the , apparent, ile ie Trev ternotesalways er nt. Joaquin. whi rtmen to meet Presi are credit put it at card.

PD” and Nacourt lying at y the three-pers few years, where within 13-year-old citizens aand wh ble Followi ’s LJISD za saidss nty ation Pg. Jam Cen mix the vided eve card users and many battle in when 10 Center teamtal Enfo with dent from ge our bers intervieweby public A&E’s “Live Texas a “We wed,” all 50 states their community of may year ht, ntmema Cit forceHUD Depa on team s. safety in takes secondary right role as allow theVisitation for the June tional Geographic’s “Bora states to d Jacqueline pro es able coun III to Pena just in have do. or Gar acro cove 24 mont retiree will will .

Bazan during safety rcem the on additionalTheir ownnoticed eric Texas, that now, not es.” credit card surchargpho n Eve reque rtmen from in La ment didn’ of lastily Nig Vict from perio was held this Mon., mass derWars.” De Leon went ent charges on and ortunitia not De Leoin this city-prage to hs of city-p TER Am ses-ora forefront. are batsion.Times sioexecutive credit card st for t d duty.their tling the did ctor ps He terno Joya Center tal Enissue on Espericueta’s Fam rush tointheir CENPg. 6 24 and the funeral thatofday.

All- ver, Col theyLast The surcharge If Mis commrespond card surcharges empl aid cove 12 mont opp oring Jose event the last year. aid grou 25 at to speak on Mon arriv credit ress Espericueta and “First force the hous on. After ic Dire to a ATIC safe overturned what Corporal ent. summer, rage hs of took place Tues. June ral theforofthe ban was years oyees all,Den citizens That is passion for barbequing ,” Ahmed Elnahas, Progto hon eon. the day ed viola ment Departmen judge keepingaour athat for AQU retiri federal at thank after opponents in I would like he wassor seve interving autho intoAustin Valley Church in Misof 7 finance Palm ensureruled Cent revie afon all nt the the Dallas Cowboys.of many, ng withthose it without See surg tes on e. applicants rushed profes- a argued that the law EY The ers said the state at He “We servi risk. er teamtal Enrity The did regul tions of wing meet iewing Pg. Police Department was at tatiinMayor eve Jose ,” the University LLsion. safety that violated list to will ce or more mb “Joey was a man ownprohibitin Texas-Rio recor wri k’s issu 25 you’d know while his law merchants See chan trigg ations, HUD rules finds knew him, of U.S.first amendment boarding with personnel VA parked Espericueta’s vehiclea many me presenSalinas.

“We feel A. “Fito” Grande ds, g if you talents,” De Leon said.I from because of the list, ourthe perfo ge our .” said. “A Constituti wee ’s ma mem as DE customers that they charging built second thought peop er sanct the repor a repor, the team nity Dip and lot of statesValley it prevented and on because bers outside the departmentfallen “He was the only person will pharm rmance drug AN le respo ions he was as for. surcharge t could mu minuteorrow Texas,fellow isa what cover of suchwasfrom thiscost citizen of Publit for that the will city it by Pilar California See ATTORNE GR could make wearacy drug merchants tage change kind of shrine in their nsibl against the HUD toto serve com Yorkhis prepathe peopHUD of the credit tom card His netw will beknow letting customers rema and Florida He, New It did not knew that cool, and faithfuland Y final of Miss ir 10e. the foun swipewillingness may “The c Housing. brother’s memory. ore be forgotten. our to the advaork • RIO was had these ist of about the Officre hibiti le respo and ing Crocs ion will not bans tutional.

Pg. 8 every y’re andunconstis and the punis SSION against bef who put on e and unrivaled andder Pilar that credit swipe feelong in with base plan e ducti ng This, take long for red, whiteflags ly wore cargo shorts everycommunity the nsibl nthing going surchargder h the singition toesourthat inleeffect, usiv hero autho a no the as • MI as H-Ecard Stac American them e tack matter Gon were ,” no lea alour companiesa phys charge for remembered by incl to blue flowers, ultimately turned y’s RiseB at zale emplpremiumwill the where he went, City rehearpet feder ng busin Direc rity Inter said to check from proical comp each ve,the i-uniform daily. over by their the z (cen Progress tion oyee a hous and balloons to adorn rts badge and as ile com occasion.” vati effo punis al gove ess with con“And tor Clau im Exec Jess state Pg. 9 and how usingtransacit Proj ceremon ing es. wh when plan,first six ter) leted s have See FALLEN HERO Time ard memorial. ect that that’s dia M. plastic De Leon said e barm hment, rnment. utive ” Mun mont leng ber led by withi in inno See SURCHAR the s photo Thur y recowith repr Aw The ctiv their Alca the The services were hs of n guia years ent, typic known will sday or GES See END OF WATCH The effe cal chal mema said zar. gniz

by Jose Former who said Progress adde provi housing job.” . , July as cho ly forAward Manage ally Pastor Jerrell Jobe, rememPg. 9 ing esentativ State Times tal Enfo d. the criti Council Pg. 7 See MISS

By Jose an honDr. De Leon de photo the federal District lasts deIf her both with autho 25, ga-O app the by Dave aña, the day was about ION MEET courthou es from three it isMayor “We force the Depa rcem Rudy with Judge 2019 achievem Hendricks rity compan III. City O’c his Orte to De Leon online . ent Depa and . ment rtmen . seany Delgado ied by or a serio ca quest of Tuesday INGhis attorney 2 A idea ns, cted,” said nation banking, Cent rtmental docu Cent ents the left us er team- ment name local busin afternoo III Entertainment ...pg. er team Entow the Americ May one s is the cepte s, said aña this gratuas s.Alcament our mobil Pg. 9 direc n ac- or financial, d one est be sele s it to conti in A ess All- e frome thisls. Thi finds the o O’c best I con makreethic of five has been e app, ortord the interi zar, who mana to ERIC 3 La With and the $100 d to nue neursa nationwid cam madn goa basisreport couldal probl posit m execu acge-AM Pg. 10 to comp Lifestyle ..................pg. even finali Joya FCU, Arm esent r, and ity for prou ion last for Rise ,000 from enco hip comp e entre 10 who paig bymont ALL sts beco ems, tive you can choose are has been mun phone Proje urage repr to offe for one of ten cities in to. n tocele cam wasSee etitio ers prethe ete for . See LAreceivership. me the male-led s Stacy ct.

8 h. , ofh-Mission All-America City Award has our com Stacy give city lead sionfinalista City y pho dfar.” The what is said. creat ’s Rise Sports......................pg. busingrowth n that JOYA year neig Mis a orateda ’s convenient Dip rd, rtes of that won the late it thisawa City ceinformation O nation the neurs “With fema eric al lea co-fo ed by Stace Proje HOU sionit by esses in fees towns, Civic League. For more details Cou We each memk, and live or work MP all the latest as the for you. oun ing The Some*Must AmLa city five loc Vhave SING ct was National in Hidalgo the conditions perce receiving CALL ities Chip under fromgniz was ated based dip Pilar, . and pictures and to the competition le com y Madi ann ctedwith The only this happening apply. APR: OR CLICK RG what is at Death Notices..pg. 11 9 AllesAnnual County ts about Pg. 4 mun reco mayges, city last wee ent sion journey less entrepreC).over for nt of Manag help s-three of Stacy sonalrea by Pilar comp a Misr) and sele 201 a dispute of trib for denPercentage Rate. villas,the com es ands,about theJoya9.Housing cem Mis ter The any creTODAY ’s Pita e 14 Authority, nte resi see inside.

Hisp their venture than two and break women years sen event, the dy been Gonzalez ouscity the 201 using e Day oun be(AA Jun vari ! will rd brat ood from is onecho e bot ntie the anic age the busin fundi t (ce for 14, which into recog ay, bank entre ago to that’s a fracti ers Awa cery city of Miss Flag nt ann ut the l Cen the Classifieds............pg.13 by the wom or. be mor as siontowns esses ng “Stac the food borh s, cou eng bot onyJune approved nized prene Frid h d by lead chain contract See Pg. 10 & 14 en recei -and hon the on that Mis million of nt Ab wit y’s uy” em ion h $20 a urs rece e abo Medica not iety nde cked as by ey citie the us indus Insured by g H-Eof that-P ving and ay, ons wit Soc ual eme atte Joya “Ch ntaNCUA. Equal h onl Tex tigio could d-pi thriving This exception, nesse few Pita Chip Vall ISD. grotry. housing lender. g cer mad ional regi LOCATIO agreevent La cer Pg. 4han v. Gre from ilar nin ent Frid nde ator Juan rese Terine ban B, now gets presSee not wom project er,” s with successfuls is one NS IN Go Reg tnering Can h annOct. is “We to be se are ities smallan Rep and Gra LA JOYA as a sigeem *Must the en unde is mean the rule. pact Mission a female busid The mun the n III Some par erican 10twalk in Rio as Sen and rra live k t to take king, Direc EDC at agr • PALMVIEW found list. conditio or work a themPepsiCo r the wing 10 Tex Leo Gue wor e- prou s to With tor Crist socia ns may Am the Pink fina an com - globa ers rger in Hidalgo brand ojos by De make our a Pg. l offi - such citie apply. l s hard e eric imstak of ina Garz APR: . you can La Joya me for sion loca econ s- Hin s Bob l brand their and help mobile See Am largest Annual County Jos ales s to the and we are produ Percenta a CALL By Mis See NATI .” e that st the tran as tive the ers y, ge Rate. ct a ank ry Can app, mov boo en convenchoose FCU, "Th y lead toda RGV MPO4 ONA OR a In a willstrength on, Tex L FINA Pg. or eve ed to wha CLICK man say ient regi LIST of ers here See nt for you t is g. 2 cials andn in the ott sign n by TODAY hold eme Metomy phone.Pg. 9 ag Abb ey nt ...p . ! n agre 3 portatio . Gre e Vall aniz ainme ......pg.

Gov signatiothre ning Org ger the Plan mer Entert 5 rede ge ............ mer litan ed the ....pg. style ropo sign Life ............ . 8 tions.Abbott

50¢

DE

INSI

Bra

New We ge on: ate 7 cati s To (Lo cip unitie rti s 6 & Pa Comm To Page issue ing e is Se in th Bring per,

June ay, Frid

47 Vol.

Bringing Communities

ate ls W aunfe w Br ets to Ne, 2019 tick of kets ly 29 ack isti) 4-P of tic : Ju Chr ily ck pus ing 22 Fam for 8, 15, , Cor 4-Pa Draw SPI gs

s ay ime eaw ss t Giv e r g Pro a and

a t

Progress times

Newspaper, Your Hometown rpark

Ivan Sandoval Treasurer City of Sullivan City

Our office will be closed December 24, 25 , and January 1.

Roger Hernandez Director County Place 3

page 10

January 3, 2020

www.ptrgv.com

Flu Shots - With or without an appointment - Covered by most insurance plans

Free Valley Wide Delivery

10-Minute

Prescription Refills

- By phone or in person - Specialty Compounding Available!

Pharmacy & Medical Equipment

The Only Pharmacy You Need Alberto Vela, R.Ph.

Fred Moron, R.Ph.

1242 E. Bus 83, Ste. #7 Mission • 583-2700

2120 E. Griffin Pkwy.

Mission • 581-5499

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9am-7pm • Saturday 9am-1pm

FULL RIDE

from pg. 8

that I got accepted by my first choice.”

Martinez is planning on studying astrophysics and astronomy.

“I’ve always loved space,” Martinez said. “Physics is founded on math, and I’ve always loved math and am pretty good at it, so being able to apply it to something greater than that really drives me to want to study it.”

His current goals include pursuing his Ph.D. (doctoral degree) and being able to conduct research for the university.

“I really like astrophysics and the concepts of it,” Martinez said. “Yale provides many opportunities for research as undergrads, so I just really want to be able to contribute to the field.”

Martinez earned his ride from the QuestBridge Scholarship program, in which recipients are granted a full, four-year scholarship with one of the program’s college partners.

“After we applied we had

to wait a month to find out if we were finalists,” Martinez said. “As finalists we could apply to the schools themselves. Once we finished their application, we had to wait another month to find out. It was a pretty long process.”

Because his family had difficulties financially, growing up Martinez kept that on his mind as a motivator to achieve academic success.

“I feel like I need to do something to sort of give back for what they’ve done for me to get to this point,” Martinez said. “Both my siblings have excelled in school, and we’ve always been really involved in academics.”

Martinez is currently the president of the school’s National Honors Society chapter, participates in the orchestra and competes in the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL) Number Sense, Mathematics and Computer Science.

“There’s two major categories to which I attribute

my success: the first one is my family, they’ve done so much to support me in getting to this point,” Martinez said. “Also, the community around me - a lot of them have supported me to get where I’m at, and I want to give something for them to be proud of: this is what can come out of a place like this.”

If Martinez could give any advice to freshmen entering high school, it would be to not sweat the small stuff.

“Don’t stress the little things, as I did for a pretty long time,” Martinez said. “I realized that I’m going to be okay, but back then that never clicked.”

“If people really want something, all they have to do is try,” Martinez added.

“There’s really nothing that’s stopping us from achieving these dreams. If you really want it, just try, and we’ll surprise ourselves in the process.”

May this new year all your dreams turn into reality and all your efforts into great achievements

2020

from Norberto “Beto” Salinas

Have a safe and Happy New Year from all of us at The Progress Times. www.CityOfPenitas.com

Dr. Armando Ocaña Norie Garza Jessica Ortega-Ochoa MAYOR MAYOR PRO-TEM COUNCILWOMAN

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

Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN

Beto Vela COUNCILMAN

Randy Perez CITY MANAGER

facebook.com/ cityofpenitas

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

MAYOR PRO-TEM

COUNCILMAN

RAMIRO LOYA FELIPE QUINTANILLA

COUNCILMAN

HAPPY Michael Leo City Manager

www.cityofpalmview.com

NEW YEAR! Reynaldo Acosta Commissioner

Ricardo Villarreal Mayor

Linda Sarabia Mayor Pro Tem

Javier Ramirez Councilman

Jose Luis Perez Councilman

Joel Garcia Councilman

COMMISSIONER

Richard Arevalo COMMISSIONER

Emilio Cantu Jr. COMMISSIONER

Isidrio Casanova Mayor

Laura Mendiola Macias Commissioner

Roger Hernandez Commissioner

Jacqueline Bazan City Administrator

Mary Salinas Commissioner

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

MAYOR PRO-TEM

MAYOR

Ricardo Garza

Julianita Sabala City Secretary

Arturo R. Galvan Jr.

Salvador Vela

509 S. Alton Blvd. • Alton, TX 78573 www.alton-tx.gov • (956) 432-0760

Anthony Uresti Councilman

COUNCILMAN

ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES

www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman