Friday, February 21, 2020_PT ISSUE

Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together.

Vol. 48 - #26

Progress times Friday, February 21, 2020

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INSIDE City of Mission Updates

Colorful community crafts

www.ptrgv.com

Everardo Villarreal outspends county commissioner Flores

By Jose De Leon III

With 12,770 out of nearly 379,000 registered voters marking their ballot during early voting as of press time, one of the biggest primary races in the county is that for Precinct 3 Commissioner.

Businessman Everardo Villarreal is challenging incumbent Joe Flores who is running for his sixth term.

A few days into early voting, Villarreal says

This week we have the latest in the city of Mission elections, as well as news on a potential Independence Day celebration this summer. Jamie Treviño has more information on the candidates and special meeting.

See Pg. 2

Agua SUD Elections

Progress Times photo by Jamie Treviño.

Kathleen Akey poses with her “Bluebonnets in the Spring” collection of wares at the Artesano Market Days held last weekend.

Artesano Market Days gives platform to local artists and vendors

By Jamie Treviño

The May elections for the special utility district will be taking place at the Peñitas Public Library.

This will be the first election for Agua SUD under the single member system. Jose De Leon III has more details, inside.

See Pg. 5

SPORTS

Kathleen Akey, in a denim vest she hand-painted with Texas bluebonnets, was part of the rainbow of colorful vendors found last weekend in Mission.

This past weekend, the Mission Historical Museum, along with the city and the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, hosted several events celebrating Winter Texan visitors and residents. One of the events, the Artesano Market Days, has been an annual staple run by the museum in Mission.

Held at the Mission Event Center, the market included artisan-made crafts, decor, toiletries, sweets and clothing. Vendors hailed from the United States and Mexico, highlighting the museum and city’s efforts to promote unity amongst the countries.

Akey, a permanent resident in Mission for six years, was one of the artisan vendors at the Market.

The wares found at Kathleen’s Hand Painted China booth were part of her “Bluebonnets in the Spring’’ collection. Akey’s artisan goods included handpainted porcelain heirlooms, jewelry, hats, tiles and clothing.

“It’s a very long process,” Akey said.

Hand-painting china is no easy task, according to Akey. The vivid bluebonnets came alive as she explained the process, which was developed over 2,000 years ago.

“You have to start out real light because it’s oil paint,” Akey said. “And then you fire it in a kiln.”

Once Akey has painted the china several times over, the porcelain is exposed to a heat of about 1,400 degrees. Akey encouraged all her buyers to treasure their purchases as they would a valued

See ARTESANO MARKET Pg. 2

Sharyland sets $40M bond election

By Jose De Leon III

The Lady Diamondbacks and Lady Patriots basketball teams advanced this week after some heated games, winning the bi-district championship.

Luciano Guerra highlights the action.

See Pg. 6

INDEX

Death Notices......pg. 9

Entertainment.pg. 10

Lifestyle................pg. 11

Classifieds...........pg. 13

Six candidates will compete for two seats in the Sharyland school board election as voters decide on a $40 million bond for renovations and improvements in the district.

At a special meeting held Friday, Feb. 14, Sharyland trustees called the May 2, 2020 election that will include the bond to upgrade Sharyland High School and John H. Shary Elementary School.

“There have been several committees meeting to discuss necessary facility upgrades for the past year and a half and I think this is the opportune time to do somethings for Sharyland High and John H. Shary Elementary,” district Superintendent Dr. Maria M. Vidaurri said at a board workshop last week. “There’s a

Dr. Maria M. Vidaurri SISD Superintendent

list of items we’d like to get done and we narrowed it down to the most important needs.”

The $40M bond will go toward paying for several

Joe Flores

Ever Villarreal

he is excited about his campaign.

“We have a lot of supporters and volunteers coming in and calling us to let us know they’re voting, it seems so positive,” Villarreal said.

“I am excited we are doing very well. We’re having a positive campaign, I think our voters and supporters have that in mind.”

As part of his campaign, Villarreal financed most of it by loaning himself $420,000 according to a February campaign finance report filed with the Hidalgo county Elections Department.

The finance report, which covers the month of January, saw Villarreal receive $21,000 in

See OUTSPENDS Pg. 9

Cuellar on the Coronavirus

Congressman holds media advisory on public health and the Coronavirus

By Jamie Treviño

projects in each campus. For Sharyland High, upgrades include extending the band hall, renovating the cafeteria, classrooms and library and library lecture hall and the construction of a new “Innovation Center” building that will be used as a collaboration and “maker space.”

“The campus was built in 1975 so there’s a need to upgrade it on the inside,” Vidaurri said.

Under the proposed bond, updates to John H. Shary will include a new parking lot to alleviate traffic and a new wing for 6th grade students complete with a new library and computer lab.

“It’s currently the only elementary school in the district without a computer lab in the library,” Ismael Gonzalez,

So far Texas is not at risk of an outbreak of the Coronavirus disease.

Congressman Henry Cuellar held a media availability this week to discuss how the federal government is handling the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (referred to as COVID-19) and how it impacts South Texas.

The Coronavirus, which was first identified during an outbreak in Wuhan, China, has infected one person in San Antonio - the only confirmed case in the state. As of Wednesday, Feb. 19, there have been 29 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States and no deaths.

According to The Washington Post, there have been approximately 74,000 infected and 2,004 dead worldwide due to the Coronavirus.

Cuellar noted that the greatest risk of infection is for people in China or people who have travelled to China.

“We have certain things in the United States to prevent this risk of infection,” Cuellar said, adding that the country has a robust healthcare system. “We’ve had different briefings on this issue. Right now, we’re looking at adding

See SISD ELECTIONS Pg. 13

See CORONAVIRUS Pg. 9

YOUR VOTE COUNTS! EARLY VOTING

NOW THRU FEB. 28, 2020

ELECTION DAY MARCH 3, 2020

Political ad paid by candidates.

Ever Villarreal For Commissioner Precinct 3

Marco de Luna

Abiel Flores

For Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 - Place 1

For Hidalgo Co. Court at Law 9

page 2

February 21, 2020

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Candidates vie for Mission city council

By Jamie Treviño This election season for the city of Mission features some familiar faces.

This year, two places are up for grabs on the Mission city council, although only one includes an actual race.

The race for Place 2 includes incumbent candidate Ruben Plata, a mortgage lender in Mission who has sat on the council for over a decade, and John A. Lopez, a retired government employee (with the United States Border Patrol), teacher and coach.

Ruben Plata Plata, a graduate of Plainview High School and the University of Texas PanAmerican, plans on keeping the focus on the city’s budget and fiscal responsibility.

“My experience matters,” Plata said. “I always believe in Mission. We have done a good job and we have worked hard for the citizens.”

Plata hopes to continue with some of the projects happening in Mission currently.

“It’s serving the community, that’s the main thing,” Plata said. “I want us to continue reviewing the budget and see what we can do to bring up our fund balance.”

He added that his experience in banking and the finance world, which he has been part of for over 20 years, will positively impact the taxpayers and citizens of

Mission.

“I’m very familiarized with the growth, I’m very familiarized with the market and how we can really benefit,” Plata said.

“Anything I can do to help in continuing with the growth of Mission is beneficial to all of us.”

Plata plans on gaining more traction, in one way or the other, on the Madero Bridge Project that would build an international railway in Mission. He stressed that he was not sure if it is good or bad at this point.

“If a possibility to build a second bridge at a minimal cost to our community, I think it will be beneficial,” Plata explained. “I want to look at the growth that’s going to take place with the Killam Project [as well].”

Plata foresees several more great projects contributing to the growth in Mission, and said that with his experience he can help the city make them happen.

“I have dedication and a serving heart,” Plata said.

“I’ve always been very transparent, very honest in what I do for the citizens of Mission.

Honesty, transparency, hard work and dedication are values that have been instilled in me.”

Plata added that his faith also plays a big role in how he operates as a council member.

“I’m a person who truly believes in God, and serving is one of the attributes that I have learned and is instilled in me,” Plata said.

Lopez, who graduated from Mission High School and Pan-American University, was motivated to run in order to focus on drainage issues within Mission. When the area flooded in June 2018, he said he and his family were half an inch of rain away from water entering their home.

John Lopez “I live on North Shary Rd., and we’ve had rains before but when there were hardly any homes - it was all orchards, and all the water used to drain into the orchards,” Lopez said. “Now it’s subdivisions, so where is it going to drain? The same ditch has been there forever.”

He noted that while the county and city were working on the drainage, the planning for heavy rainfall could have been better.

“The next two neighborhoods they built after I had lived there for a while, they flooded, so their water came into our yards,” Lopez said, noting that eight of the neighbors in his subdivision were flooded and flooding has been an issue in the past few decades. “I figured they [city leaders and officials] didn’t learn at that time, and it happened again.”

Unforeseen planning and growth in that area of Mission lead to current issues, according to Lopez.

“The drainage was never improved to fit those homes and the water is going into the streets,” Lopez said. “I kind of felt that maybe fresh eyes on the council, from a first responder, can see things through different eyes.”

Lopez taught and coached in the Edinburg Independent School District for a few years before starting with the Border Patrol as an agent, working his way up the ranks as a Supervisory Agent, INS Special Agent,

At this rate you can afford to start renovations

today!

Supervisory Special Agent and Patrol Agent in Charge.

Because of his experience, he also hopes to focus on infrastructure and the police and fire departments. “[Mayor] Dr. O’caña is doing great with a lot of community stuff out there,” Lopez said, adding that the city needs to concentrate on infrastructure before anything else. “No taxpayer in the city should see their house flooded. I know we’re growing, but we really need to focus on everything else.”

Lopez spoke highly of the values instilled from his parents, and said they motivated him to respectfully serve the community.

“The current administration is doing well, but they need some fresh eyes,” Lopez said. “What can we do to improve it?

Hopefully I’ll be able to go in there and work with everybody.”

Jose Alberto “Beto” Vela Council member Jose Alberto (Beto) Vela, who took over the position following Gus Martinez’s shift to city attorney in Mission last year, is running unopposed for Place 4. A prominent pharmacist and

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By Jamie Treviño Mission may be seeing some fireworks come July 4 this year.

This week, the city of Mission held a special meeting granting a variance request for an ordinance regarding the shooting off, discharging, exploding guns, firecrackers or other explosive matter and bonfires currently prohibited. Assistant Fire Chief Rene Alvarez presented the item on behalf of Chief Gilbert Sanchez, who was out of town.

“The variance would authorize the Mission Fire Department, under the supervision of the office of the Fire Marshal, to oversee controlled firework testing on February 29, 2020 at approximately 8:30 p.m. at the Shary

Municipal Golf Course,” Alvarez said. “This variance would allow the controlled testing of these fireworks leading up to a proposed July 4th city celebration,” Alvarez said.

Council members Jessica Ortega-Ochoa and Beto Vela, who were present at the meeting, voted to approve the variance.

“Hopefully working with our city staff and our fire department, everything goes out without a hitch,” Ortega-Ochoa said.

Vela said that with events like these, Mission is showing that residents don’t need to leave the city for entertainment.

“They can stay in Mission, have a good time and bring their families,” Vela said. “We can highlight what we can do here at home.”

ARTESANO MARKET

heirloom.

“They have three firings, each one of them,” Akey said. “That’s why this stuff is expensive, it’s china. It fires for three hours, then it has to cool for 24 hours, and then you can take it out and put it in.”

Akey has been handpainting china since 1969, and this was the first year she has been part of the Artesano Market Days.

“I go to other craft sales throughout the area,” Akey said. “It’s supplementing

my income; I’m retired, so this is what I do because I’m living on social security. It supplements everything.”

Akey knew that when she retired, she would be moving to Texas.

“I live right here in Mission, full-time,” Akey said. “I moved here six years ago from Wisconsin.”

Her parents retired in Mission 45 years ago, and when it was Akey’s time to move she found Mission to be the ideal place.

“I hadn’t been here for like

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20 years,” Akey explained.

“And when I came down after my husband passed away, I couldn’t believe it.”

Seeing the growth Mission has experienced in the last two decades inspired Akey to make the move to the RGV. “I’ve always loved Texas, but then I saw everything that was here,” Akey said.

“Within a ten mile radius it had everything I needed in my life. I love it, I stay all summer.”

3rd Year Anniversary

Alexandria R. Olivarez “Alex ” December 5, 1994 †February 27, 2017

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me besides the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

LOCATIONS IN: LA JOYA • PALMVIEW

them here in Mission, and he’s already twelve but he still likes going to the park,” Vela said. “There’s a lot of families who don’t have the means that just want to take their kids somewhere.”

For Vela, serving is all about being there for the community, not special interests.

“You can’t do much in a couple of months,” Vela said on his current term. “It gives me an opportunity to work more for the city. I want to help out as much as possible, but if it’s something I don’t agree on I just don’t agree on it, which has worked so far for me.”

His career as a pharmacist has fostered his love for giving back. Vela pointed out that pretty much anyone in need who comes to his pharmacy will be helped out in some way, and they always have coffee and pan dulce in order to create a comfortable environment.

“My clientele are a lot of Medicare and Medicaid customers that sometimes need an extra hand, and I have always been available and accessible to my clients countless times, that goes above and beyond,” Vela said, noting that their policy is to donate to any child participating in extracurricular activities that comes to one of his pharmacies. “I try to take care of you as much as I can.”

Early voting for the Mission city council elections starts Mon., April 20, 2020 and runs through Tues., April 28, 2020.

Election day is set for Sat., May 2, 2020.

Mission plans Independence Day celebration

from pg. 1

HOME EQUITY LOANS

community member for several years, Vela maintains that he is not a politician.

“I know all aspects of Mission, I didn’t just pop in,” Vela said, noting that his parents (who were educators) always instilled a commitment to serve the underserved and those without a voice. “I like working as a team [with the council], I like to try to get things done in whatever is best for the city.”

“Honestly I’m learning as I go, because I hadn’t followed city politics and there’s a lot of things we need to get done,” Vela added.

“Only working together is going to make it happen.”

Vela, a graduate of Mission High School aims to continue to work on the drainage situation in Mission, along with focus on what is absolutely needed that fits in the budget.

“You can’t expect the taxpayers to foot the whole bill, everything has to be done incrementally,” Vela said. “The major issues need to be worked on - everything else, you’ve got to take it slow.”

He also said that along with all city employees, first responders in the police and fire departments need more in terms of equipment and facilities.

“How do we expect them to be our first responders without the proper equipment?” Vela said.

“They’re at the front line.”

Vela, who has a son with special needs, is also excited to improve parks and make headway on the future allinclusive Lions Park.

“There is nowhere to take

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Rest in Peace, we miss you dearly.

Mom- Norma Bourbois Rodriguez; Brother- Jose (Jay) A. Cavazos & family; Sister- Michelle L. Cavazos & family; Family & Friends

February 21, 2020

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www.ptrgv.com

With hundreds of new businesses and infrastructure projects,

JOE’S GOTTEN GOOD AT CUTTING RIBBONS OF PROGRESS, AND HE’S

BETTER THAN EVER AT CUTTING TAXES FOR ALL. Paid for by Joe Flores Campaign

LOWER TAXES FOR EVERYONE. Commissioner Joe Flores voted to lower property taxes to their lowest level in over a decade while investing over $500 MILLION in road improvements and infrastructure upgrades in Pct. 3.

Commissioner Flores has invested MILLIONS

in our Precinct 3 communities.

$500 MILLION in Paving and Improving Roads

$10 MILLION in Drainage Infrastructure Projects

$2.8 MILLION for Community Organizations

We need Commissioner Joe Flores to continue the progress!

Vote Early through February 28.

Election Day is March 3.

page 4

February 21, 2020

www.ptrgv.com

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Governor charges agency heads with developing workforce plan AUSTIN — Requirements in House Bill 3, the sweeping school finance law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2019, require the state to plan for long-term workforce development.

On Feb. 13, Gov. Greg Abbott cited HB 3 in assigning the commissioners of three state agencies to identify strategies to meet the state’s future workforce needs through his 2016 Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.

He instructed them to deliver a report to him

by Sept. 1.

“The passage of House Bill 3 marked the most significant transformation of our education system in decades and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of our workforce,” Abbott said. “We must continue in our efforts to ensure Texans of all ages have access to high-quality education and workforce skills training that empowers them to achieve their full potential.”

Abbott assigned Commissioners Mike Morath, Texas Education Agency; Harrison Keller, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and Bryan Daniel, Texas Workforce Commission, to: —Recommend strategies to ensure students are prepared for future growth at each stage in the educational pipeline; —Ensure students who pursue higher education and workforce educational programs can complete those programs in a cost-efficient and timely manner; —Analyze and make recommendations regarding strategies to streamline educational pathways, ensuring students can seamlessly transition into high-wage and high-demand careers; —Improve the capacity within the state to produce credentials of value aligned with the needs of high-wage and high-demand occupations; —Analyze and make recommendations to increase the supply of highly qualified and well-trained individuals entering the teaching profession across the state; —Explore and recommend options for increasing economic activity in rural Texas, reducing regulatory burdens, and expanding educational partnerships between businesses, school districts and colleges; and —Identify strategies to align agency operations, increase program efficiency, improve data analysis and capacity.

AG sues over travel ban Texas is on a list of 11 states banned by a California law for state-funded travel. The law, Assembly Bill 1887, applies to states that since June 26, 2015, have enacted laws that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on

Feb. 10 filed an original action against the State of California in the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to strike down the travel ban for states that uphold First Amendment protections for religious liberty.

What put Texas on California’s list was HB 3859, a 2017 law allowing faith-based foster care and adoption agencies to decline placements they believe would violate their religious beliefs.

“Boycotting states based on nothing more than political disagreement breaks down the ability of states to serve as laboratories of democracy while still working together as one nation — the very thing our Constitution intended to prevent,” Paxton said.

Revenue is distributed Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Feb. 12 announced he would send cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts $1.04 billion in local sales tax allocations for February, which was 9.4% more than the amount distributed for February 2019.

The allocations are based on sales made in December by businesses that report tax monthly; October, November and December sales by quarterly filers; and 2019 sales by businesses that report tax annually.

In his announcement, Hegar pointed out that Christmas shopping typically occurring in November was shifted into December due to the relatively late date of Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), helping make the February allocations substantially higher than in previous months.

Report: Coronavirus case The Texas Department of State Health Services reported Feb. 13 that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed one case of COVID-19 in a person who has been under quarantine at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland since returning from China on a U.S. State Department-chartered flight.

The individual reportedly is currently isolated and receiving medical care at a local hospital. Authorities said that because the patient has been under quarantine, the case does not change the risk of infection for people in San Antonio or other parts of Texas.

Meanwhile, federal and state health officials ask that travelers stay home, monitor themselves for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they develop fever, cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of being in China.

The Texas Department of State Health Services offers additional information on COVID-19 for the public, health care professionals, health departments and labs at dshs. texas.gov/coronavirus.

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Mission Fire Department tests hydrants with new app Special to the Progress Times

The Mission Fire Department began its yearly hydrant testing around the city and now they have new technology in their arsenal to ensure the safety of residents.

Firefighters have begun using Collector for ArcGIS, a new app courtesy of B2Z Engineering that allows them to input test information and update the location of each hydrant. The user friendly app is accessible from any smartphone or tablet. Instead of using paper forms when inspecting hydrants, members of the fire department, or hydrant maintenance teams can manage the process electronically.

“This new technology will allow us to piece together a fire hydrant inspection

report for the city swiftly and efficiently,” Assistant Fire Chief Robert Alvarez said.

“It is a much easier way for our firefighters to inspect fire hydrants and record the results of the inspection electronically. We will be better prepared when we respond to a scene.”

The app and hydrant flow test covers a variety of inspection items, including checking water flow, residual pressure tracking and other important inspection and testing items. Regular use of the app helps ensure that the City of Mission fire hydrants meet NFPA standards for safety and makes it easy to identify when preventative maintenance is needed.

“It’s safety first. These

hydrant flow tests are crucial because they are conducted to determine water availability in planning for firefighting activities,” Chief Alvarez said. “The tests are also useful in determining the general condition of the water distribution system. A well-maintained water system enables firefighters to extinguish flames and prevent large-scale damage.”

The application allows the City of Mission to have a current total of all the hydrants in the city as well as plot the hydrant locations.

Upon completion of the hydrant testing, the mapping of the hydrants will be available on department tablets for crews to use when they respond to fires.

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

Located at 3 Mile & Shary Rd.

February 21, 2020

page 5

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Agua SUD Receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Agua Special Utility District (SUD) Board of Directors is proud to announce that for the fourth year in a row, its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended 2018 received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

“Under our administration at Agua SUD, we have made it one of our highest priority to increase transparency and accountability by implementing processes and procedures to ensure the highest standard of government accounting and reporting, said Board President Lloyd A. Loya.

“This distinguished award, received for the fourth time here at Agua, is the result of the efforts of our dedicated staff and the work they do on a daily basis,” said General Manager Eddie Saenz, P.E. “On behalf of the board of directors, I applaud our administration and staff on this notable achievement,” added Loya.

According to the GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR. For more information, visit the GFOA website.

Agua SUD polling site to be held in Peñitas

By Jose De Leon III

The Agua Special Utility district is preparing to hold its first election under its recently implemented single member system.

During a board meeting last week, Agua directors called the May 2, 2020 meeting to order and in a 4-3 vote selected to make the Peñitas Library its sole polling location.

Though the Agua elections previously opted to have more than one voting place, Agua SUD General Manager Jose E. “Eddie” Saenz said one location will save the district money.

“The county charges us $10,000 per polling site to manage it and it’s within our CCN,” Saenz said of the location. “It’s what the board chose and it’s within half a mile of District 2’s limits.”

The districts up for election are districts 1, 2 and 3 which are overseen by Esequiel “Zeke” Ortiz, Homer Tijerina and Franco Lopez, respectively. Lopez, cousin of Peñitas Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Lopez, was sworn into office last month after former director Rogelio Hernandez III stepped down to serve in the La Joya City Council.

The single member district went into effect at the end of the 2019 calendar year after state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2552, which replaced the city and county-based seats with single-member districts and required each member of the board to represent a sub-district containing “one-seventh of the total number of residents in the district.”

Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill last June.

Each district contains

around 8,000 residents, Saenz said, adding that the election would only be open to Agua customers living in the districts that are on the ballot.

Palmview largely falls in districts 1 and 2 while district 3 serves a stretch of unincorporated land north of Palmview from the 3 Mile line to the 7 Mile Line.

Peñitas, meanwhile, is mostly covered by District 4.

Tijerina, who is running for re-election in the Agua board, was one of the three board members who voted against the Peñitas polling location.

“We’re only gonna go vote in one location and it’s not centralized,” Tijerina said. “We used to have multiple locations for voting and now we have the one to save money but with the majority of the districts not in Peñitas, why have it there? It’s not within the districts up for election.”

Business owner Esmeralda Solis, who is running against Lopez for the District 3 seat, also said the voting location is “concerning.”

She lives in District 3 near the 7 Mile line, she said.

“It’s really inconvenient for people in our area to go all the way to Peñitas,” Solis said. “If that’s going to be the case, people will be discouraged to vote, it’s quite the distance.”

While she said she understands that having one polling location is cost-effective for the water district, she questioned why the polling location wasn’t made in Palmview where most Agua SUD ratepayers reside.

“I don’t feel a decision was made the right way,” Solis said.

Mission First United Methodist Church

City of Palmhurst

4417 N. Shary Rd. • Palmhurst, TX 78573 956-583-2695 www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

Sunday Services:

8:00 a.m. Informal 9:00 a.m. Contemporary 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Traditional 5:00 p.m. Spanish Worship Join us for communion the First Sunday of every month.

Left to Right: Board Director Franco Lopez, Board Director Homero Tijerina, Board Treasurer Ivan Sandoval, Board President Lloyd Loya, Junior Accountant Jaime Reyna, Accounts Payable Clerk Evangelina Garcia, Chief Accountant Juan A. Perez, Jr., Staff Accountant Jesus Lopez, Board Vice-President Cesar Rodriguez, Jr., Board Secretary Adolfo Arriaga, Board Director Esequiel Ortiz, Jr.

PALMHURST MUNICIPAL COURT Dinner with Friends every Friday @ 5:30pm

Everyone is Welcome!

Soup & Sub Fundraiser Feb. 25th, 2020

Mission TX 78572 (956) 585-1665

www.missionfumc.com

Amnesty Period February 10, 2020 thru March 15, 2020

During this time, the Judge may dismiss the “Failure to Appear” charge on defendants who have failed to appear before the Court provided the defendant pays all fines and fees in full immediately. The amount dismissed for the “Failure to Appear” charge may be up to $206.

➢ Pay Online:

www.go2gov.net/go/palmhurst

➢ By Mail:

4417 N. Shary Rd., Palmhurst, Texas 78573

➢ In Person:

We accept cash, money orders, cashier’s checks

For more information please call 956-583-2695

page 6

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February 21, 2020

SPORTSweek

Luciano Guerra

www.ptrgv.com/sports

Sports Editor

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

Progress Times photo by Mario Magallon.

Adelaida Arroyo, #3 Sr. Diamondback, breaks past a defender and works ball up the middle. February 17, 2020.

Lady Diamondbacks and Lady Patriots advance

By Luciano Guerra It was almost Deja vu all over again for the Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks basketball team. Last year Coach Nicole Villarreal’s team entered the bi-district round of the UIL state playoffs as a heavy favorite thanks to their 13-1 district record and their first ever District 31-5A championship. As the No. 1 seed, the Lady Diamondbacks were matched up against District 32-5A’s No. 4 seed, the Brownsville Pace Lady Vikings in the opening round of the post season.

While anything can happen in the playoffs, a No. 4 seed is not supposed to defeat a No. 1 seed. However, that is exactly what happened and whether it was a matter of over confidence on the part of the Lady Diamondbacks, or a matter of the Lady Vikings playing the game of their lives, Pioneer saw their then best season in school history come to a sudden and disappointing end when they fell to Pace by a score of 47-46.

Now let’s wind the clock forward one year. Entering the bi-district round of the

2020 post season, the Lady Diamondbacks are once again District 31-5A champions, only this time with a 14-0 record. And as was the case last year, they are once again a No. 1 seed and will once again face District 325A’s No. 4 seed. Only this time around it’s the Edcouch Elsa Lady Yellow Jackets, who they faced off against Monday at PSJA North High School.

So did history repeat itself once again? Did the Lady Diamondbacks find themselves on the short end of the final score against Edcouch Elsa just as they did against Pace last year or did they play up to their potential and claim their first ever bi-district championship? Fortunately for Villarreal and her girls, this time around, it was the latter.

While the Lady Yellow Jackets did hold the lead at the end of the first quarter (8-6) and at the half (18-15), the Lady Diamondbacks opened the third quarter with eight unanswered points to take the lead for good. And when the fourth quarter game clock ticked down to all zeros, it was the fans in the bleachers on the Pioneer

side of the gym, and the girls and coaches on the Pioneer bench, that were celebrating their newly claimed bi-district championship.

Immediately after the game, Villarreal shared how last year’s bi-district round loss helped motivate her team this year.

“We definitely had a bad taste in our mouths after last year’s loss to Pace. It motivated us to work harder this year and this win tonight is a result of that hard work.”

When asked what having gone 27-1 in district play over the past two seasons says about her girls, Villarreal said, “It’s a sign of how much we’ve grown as a team.

It shows that my girls believe in the process and that their commitment level has definitely risen. They know what work is and they’ve been doing a really good job of putting the work in.”

As for what kind of adjustments she and her players had to make in the second half to turn the game around, Villarreal said, “We needed to slow it down, get into our spots and not let them rattle us. We’re still a young team

See PLAYOFFS Pg. 7

Fifteen Big 7 wrestlers state bound

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra.

Daniel Huerta (145 lbs.) is among the seven Sharyland Pioneer wrestlers to qualify for the UIL State Wrestling Championship being held in Cypress, Texas this weekend. Here Huerta gets the better of his opponent at the Grapefruit Bowl wrestling tournament held at Pioneer High School last month.

By Luciano Guerra Nine boys and six girls from the seven Mission, Sharyland and La Joya high schools, the Big 7, have qualified for the University Interscholastic League’s (UIL’s) State Wrestling Championship meet which is being held today and tomorrow at the Berry Center in Cypress, Texas.

Last year Sharyland Pioneer led the way among the Big 7 schools with six wrestlers qualifying for state, while La Joya Juarez-Lincoln led the way among the Big 7 6A schools with four wrestlers qualifying. This year Pioneer is once again leading the way among the Big 7 schools with a total of seven

Diamondbacks and Lady Diamondbacks qualifying for state, while Palmview has three qualifiers, Sharyland has two and Juarez-Lincoln, Mission High and La Joya High each have one wrestler that qualified.

The Pioneer wrestling program not only led the way in state qualifiers among Big 7 schools, but Coach Richard Eckley’s girls led the Valley in the number of state qualifiers for the second year in a row while his boys did the same for the third straight year.

Here is a list of the Big 7 State Championship qualifying wrestlers by school and weight class: 5A Boys Sharyland Pioneer: Angel Avila (126 lbs.), Daniel

Huerta (145 lbs.), Ethan Garza (220 lbs.), Orlando Camacho (285 lbs.)

Sharyland High: Alberto Mendoza (106 lbs.)

La Joya Palmview: Joseph Zieske (138 lbs.)

6A Boys La Joya Juarez-Lincoln: Carlos Doria (126 lbs.)

La Joya High: Jacob Gonzalez (145 lbs.)

Mission High: Dante Lopez (285 lbs.)

5A Girls Sharyland Pioneer: Emily Trevino (119 lbs.), Vanessa Ramirez (138 lbs.), Camila Flores (215 lbs.)

Sharyland High: Jerilyn Peralez (95 lbs.)

La Joya Palmview: Brooklyn Garza (128 lbs.), Judith Rivas (165 lbs.)

February 21, 2020 from pg. 6

PLAYOFFS

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and with Edcouch coming out firing the way they did, our lack of experience hurt us in the first half.”

Pioneer senior point guard Adelaida Arroyo scored eight of the Lady Diamondbacks points, all in the fourth quarter. Despite the fact that the Lady Yellow Jackets were leading at half time, Arroyo was confident in her team’s ability to come from behind.

“We knew that we could do better in the second half,” Arroyo said. “We have the type of team that never gives up no matter the circumstances.”

When asked what having an undefeated district record and claiming the first b-district championship in her senior season means to her, Arroyo said, “They’re great accomplishments. I’ve been here since my freshman year and the program has really grown. I’m glad that I’ve been able to be part of that growth.”

Pioneer’s top scorer Monday night was sophomore Jordan Bravo. She put 15 points on the scoreboard, nine of which came on backto-back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter.

Like Arroyo, Bravo was not too concerned about their slow start against the Lady Yellow Jackets.

“I knew that we could turn things around,” Bravo said. “We were just a little nervous in the beginning and we just needed somebody to push us and get us on the right track.”

Pioneer senior guard Alexia Hernandez may have only scored two points on the night, but she has averaged over six and a half points and six rebounds per game this season.

When asked what having such a successful season and being part of Pioneer school history means to her, Alexia said, “It honestly feels totally awesome. Being a member of the team that made school history and being that it is my final year makes it mean that much more. Now I’m hoping that we can have a deep run in the playoffs.”

Whether or not the 20192020 Lady Diamondbacks will add an area championship to their list of accomplishments this season has already been decided.

That is because their area round playoff game against the Corpus Christi Veterans

Memorial Lady Eagles was scheduled to be played last night at Texas A & M Kingsville.

Mission Veterans Lady Patriots The other Big 7 girls’ basketball team to claim a bi-district championship this week was the Mission Veterans Lady Patriots. They defeated the Valley View Lady Tigers at home Monday night by a score of 36-32. With that win, the Lady Patriots, who posted a 10-4 District 31-5A record this season, improved their overall record to 24-12.

Top scorers for Mission Vets against Valley View were seniors Kaylee Flores with 18 points and Ronnie Cantu with 11 points.

Coach Rafael Cantu Jr’s Lady Patriots will be facing off against the Flour Bluff Lady Hornets in the area round of the state playoffs tonight at 6 at Texas A & M Kingsville.

La Joya Lady Coyotes As for the La Joya Lady Coyotes, the only other Big 7 girls’ basketball team to qualify for the playoffs, their season came to an end Monday night when they fell to Laredo United South by a score of 63-36.

By Jose De Leon III

what I love,” Maldonado said. “I’ve been competing all these four years and have been preparing to do this by practicing and running every day no matter what. I have a passion for this sport.”

Maldonado said she plans to study engineering at Allen Community College.

“She’s a hard worker, dedicated and a leader, all good qualities that will help her excel at Allen College,” Myrando Montalvo, assistant girl’s coach for the campus’ cross country team said of Maldonado. “This will be an awesome opportunity for her to show her abilities and let people know we pro-

duce awesome athletes at Juarez-Lincoln, we’re proud of her” Calvillo said he plans to study law enforcement as he competes at Allen’s cross-country team.

“I know I will keep getting faster and improve and show what I can be at the school I thought was the best choice for me,” Calvillo said.

“I feel that and want to help my future teammates take it to the next level. Since my freshman year I’ve been on the varsity team thanks to the support from my coaches, friends and family and because of that support I’ve been getting better.”

Juarez-Lincoln boy’s cross-country Coach Rene Loera praised how far Calvillo has come in four years.

“He’s a good kid and will fit right in a small school that will take care of him,” Loera said. “He works hard, has no complaints, will do what I ask him for without any complaints. He’s accomplished what he’s set to do in high school.”

District athletic director Victor Garza praised both students and said Juarez-Lincoln will have more upcoming signings, including a quadruple signing for four athletes from the Juarez-Lincoln girls’ soccer team later this month.

“A lot of positive things are happening and it feels exciting knowing there are people out there who believe in our student athletes who will give them the opportunity to go beyond high school to compete and represent their community at the collegiate level,” Garza said. “It makes us feel like we’ve done our job.”

Juarez-Lincoln High School holds double college signings

Juarez-Lincoln High School had its first college signing Wednesday as two cross-country students signed a national letter of intent to compete at Allen Community College in Kansas.

Nancy Maldonado and Freddy Calvillo received full ride scholarships to the college. Maldonado is a 2019 6A regional qualifier and Calvillo is a 2019 6A cross country state qualifier.

“It’s a great opportunity, they offered me a full ride so I thought it’d be the best chance to continue doing

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Nancy Maldonado and Freddy Calvillo at a signing ceremony to attend Allen Community College in Kansas on a full ride scholarship to compete in the college’s cross-country team Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020.

Moving On

page 7

Four Big 7 boys’ basketball teams still playing

By John Hamann The regular season for boys’ basketball concluded earlier this week with four Big 7 schools having either qualified outright for a playoff spot or in need of a tie breaker game victory to get there. Here is a look at each team still in the running.

Sharyland Pioneer The Diamondbacks are back, winning their second straight district title and securing their fourth playoff appearance in the school’s sixth year; all under coach Rene Gonzalez.

After a 13-1 record in district play in 2019, the Diamondbacks went one better in 2020, sweeping through District 31-5A play at 140. Pioneer is currently 25-7 overall.

The fact that the Diamondbacks accomplished so much so far this season should not come as a surprise. Most of the 2019 squad returned for 2020 and got stronger with the arrival of Derek Luna.

Gonzalez described the formula needed to get the Diamondbacks back to the postseason. “Attitude,” he said. “That’s the main thing we talked about in practice.” Gonzalez went on to talk about the importance of getting his team to work hard throughout the season. “It starts in practice, doing what we have to do.”

Gonzalez also talked about the early part of the season and how it was important to get the returning members of the football team back into shape before district play began.

Three of the team’s usual starters were part of the Pioneer football team.

Senior Luke Padilla credited his coaches for getting the team to where it is and also echoed Gonzalez’s comments when it came to describing what the players had to do to stay on top. “I think the only reason we got here was because of our coaches and the hard work and dedication we put in all four years of high school.” Padilla went on to talk about getting past the second round of the playoffs, something he and his teammates have not accomplished on the court. “It’s a goal we’ve had the whole time we’ve been here.”

The quest to get there begins on Monday, February 24 with a first round game against Mercedes at Pioneer High School. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.

Mission Veterans Coach Jose Ramos is now two for two in reaching the postseason since coming to Veterans, having qualified last year and this. The Patriots enter the playoffs as the #3 seed from District 31-5A with a record of 9-5. The team is currently 17-14 overall.

The team started the year having to find a way to replace Noe Cantu, a big part of the 2019 squad. For Ramos the solution started with defense.

“Defense has been the key for us,” said Ramos. “This year we wanted to really focus our team on defense and try to get most of our offense out of our defense.”

The Patriots hovered around the .500 mark through non-district and were 1-1 in district when they took off, winning five straight to finish the first half of the district schedule 6-1. Two games in particular during the streak stood out to Ramos, making him feel that his team was on the right path. The Patriots put up 95 points against Roma on January 17 and 90 against Rio Grande City four days later.

“We had a really good first round,” said Ramos. “We were flowing really well; so that’s when we knew we had a good chance of getting back in the playoffs.”

Next up for the Patriots is a game Tuesday, February 25 against Brownsville Pace at Pace High School. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.

One Patriots player who has seen the postseason numerous times is junior AJ Gonzaque. “My experience in the playoffs rubs off on the guys,” he said. His advice is pretty simple. “I tell them “Don’t be nervous”; a playoff game is (like) every other game . . .

V

it has the title “playoff” but it’s just a regular game to us.”

Ramos went back to talking about defense when asked about next week. “(Playing) with a defensive mentality, we can give ourselves a good chance to compete.”

La Joya Palmview The 2020 Lobos accomplished something that the team has not done in a number of years, securing a playoff spot as the #4 seed from District 31-5A. The Lobos finished district play with an 8-6 record and are 21-14 overall.

Expectations for a good year were high at the beginning of the season as a large portion of the 2019 squad returned, most of them seniors. Coach Albert Carrillo credited those seniors with stepping up and winning the games they needed to in order to secure their postseason spot.

Despite their experience, the team, according to Carrillo, still needed to develop a confidence that it could compete. “A lot of it was them, the attitude they brought to practice and stuff like that,” said Carrillo.

“Once we got rolling, they got better, we started winning. It was a mindset they had to change; they were used to losing their previous three years. Once they started winning they felt like “We can do it”, so that urgency was there.”

That urgency became real after the team opened district play 0-2. The team righted the ship afterwards, winning five of their next six. “We’re going into Roma and I told them it was a must win game,” said Carrillo. “Once we got that win; the next games, they came easy. When we beat (Mission) Vets at their place it sort of changed our season around.”

“It feels amazing,” said senior guard Gerson Ramos about getting to the postseason.

He doesn’t want his season and high school career to end anytime soon either. “We’re looking forward to at least two rounds deep.

We want to make it far this year.”

The journey for Ramos and his teammates begins Tuesday February 25 when the Lobos travel to Brownsville to take on Veterans Memorial High School. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm.

Speaking before the playoff match-ups were set, Carrillo felt good about his team’s chances no matter who they played. “If we face Brownsville Vets or Brownsville Pace, they’re tough, but at the end of the day it’s anybody’s game.”

La Joya High The Coyotes finished tied for fourth in District 30-6A with McAllen Memorial at 7-7. Overall the Coyotes are 20-15. Because the two teams split their two games in district play, they will play again tonight to determine who will earn the #4 seed in the first round of the playoffs next week. The game is scheduled to be played at Mission High School starting at 7:30 pm. The winner will play Laredo United sometime next week.

Coyotes coach Eric Montalvo credited his team’s success this season to the fact that different players kept stepping up every game, making it difficult for opponents to key on which player to stop. A case in point was their December 17 match-up against Sharyland High when the Coyotes bench players outscored their starters 37-18 to get the win.

The Coyotes had to overcome a tough early season stretch of district games. After opening with a win over PSJA High they dropped two road games in a row and found themselves trailing at the half at Juarez-Lincoln before pulling out the win. Two more losses had the team at 2-4 in district play before they won four of their next five to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot. A win over Mission High this past Tuesday night combined with McAllen Memorial’s loss to McAllen Rowe created the tie between the two.

Montalvo said that he liked the way his team matched up with Memorial going into tonight’s game and felt the key to the game would be how well his team could rebound the ball.

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February 21, 2020

February 21, 2020 from pg. 1

OUTSPENDS

political contributions.

Flores didn’t file a February campaign report but a campaign finance report from last month however, showed that Flores received $188,120 in political contributions. He said his campaign is focusing on reminding voters on how he has given back to the community since he was first

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elected.

“We have been fortunate during my tenure to have led efforts to modernize Precinct 3 and making our communities, roads, infrastructure, amenities, and more making it attractive to recruit and retain residents, families, and businesses,” Flores said. “Through our efforts, the west is the best

it’s been in years, and yet, there is still a lot of work to be done. As our population continues to grow in rural parts of the precinct, there will continue to be so much work that needs to get done.”

The January campaign finance report, which covers the months of July 2019 through December 2019, showed that Flores didn’t

loan himself campaign money.

The political contributions for Flores’ campaign came from local lawyers, developers and engineers.

The biggest campaign contributions for Flores came from the McAllen-based political action committee Border Health PAC, which promotes border health

CORONAVIRUS

resources not only to the Department of Health and Human Services, but also Homeland Security.”

Cuellar said Homeland Security is involved because they deal with people entering the United States from other countries.

“This threat has not affected the work of U.S. Customs,” Cuellar said, stressing that any rumors of an outbreak in a detention facility for undocumented migrants are false. “As you know, this Coronavirus is something that is novel.”

Federally, the government is ready to start testing. Cuellar said the first tests should be conducted in April this year, and they have been told that developing a vaccine could take 12 to 18 months.

“We want to make sure that we have the resources so we can try to expedite this vaccine,” Cuellar said.

The National Institutes of Health has spent almost $700 million in Coronavirus research and development.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified the disease’s genetic strain, developed a diagnostic test that can detect it in human secretions and plans to distribute 200 test kits (which can perform 700 to 800

Notices Homero Alanis PEÑITAS – Homero Alanis, 81, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at his home in Peñitas.

Robert Crider MISSION – Robert Crider, 92, passed away on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020, at his home in Mission.

Sylvia Flores LOS EBANOS – Sylvia Flores, 65, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at her home in Los Ebanos.

patient samples) to domestic labs and 200 to international labs.

The CDC has been working with Customs and Border Patrol, the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office and other federal and transportation stakeholders on this issue. The case in San Antonio originated at the Lackland Air Force Base.

“We are looking at putting more money in the CDC,” Cuellar said. “This has not impacted the ability of CBP to execute or sustain their homeland security mission.”

As of Feb. 19, Customs and Border Patrol has apprehended 312 Chinese nationals since Jan. 1, 2020.

“191 apprehensions were down here in the Valley,” Cuellar said. “12 apprehensions occurred in the Laredo Sector. There have been no positive tests on any of those.”

Cuellar said the appropriations committee is looking to possibly gain supplemental funds depending on how the threat develops.

“It’s very expensive to come up with a vaccine,” Cuellar said. “We’re hoping we can expedite this, but the good thing

Epifanio Gallegos Jr. MISSION – Epifanio Gallegos Jr., 76, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Delia Guajardo MISSION – Delia Guajardo, 96, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Mateo Hernandez Jr. MISSION – Mateo Hernandez Jr., 73, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

is the CDC has been able to isolate the virus.”

He noted that he was working to ensure programs combating COVID19’s spread are given adequate funding, and will aim to drive down any costs for treatment and healthcare costs. Border Patrol agents have been following protocol to prevent infection among migrants and agents.

“They have certain steps they make sure they protect themselves.” Cuellar said. “We’re trying to do two things: identify anyone that might be infected, and two we need to make sure the men and women doing their jobs are protected also.”

“We have to be careful, because they deal with a lot of people,” Cuellar added. “The main concern were literally people coming in from China the number of flights have gone down, and that’s the bigger concern. Having somebody coming through the border, that’s always a risk, but it’s not the same thing as someone flying from Mainland China, or even some of the cruise ships that we’ve seen.”

Elsa Jackson LA JOYA – Elsa Jackson, 89, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Leona LaRose MISSION – Leona LaRose, 70, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Monica Martinez MISSION – Monica Martinez, 55, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, at her home in Mission.

Luis Navarro MISSION – Luis Navarro,

44, passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Alberto Reyna PALMVIEW – Alberto Reyna, 56, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at his home in Palmview.

Joseph Smith MISSION – Joseph Smith, 92, passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, at his home in Mission.

Robert Treviño PALMHURST – Roberto Treviño, 84, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at his home.

issues, and the Law Office of V&E, PLLC, a law firm owned by attorneys Victoria and Eric Flores. Both of them donated $10,000.

“My donors support me because they believe in me and my commitment to our communities, and I am grateful for their support,” Flores said. “I am doing what it takes to run an effective campaign while being mindful of strategically using resources to represent the needs of our community and fight for resources and funding to improve roads, expand drainage, enhance parks, and lay the foundation and infrastructure to attract businesses and help our communities and our residents get ahead. ”

A campaign finance report from the same period for Everardo’s campaign showed that he donated more than $422,000 to his campaign while receiving $81,250 in political contributions.

“It was very important for me knowing that I could finance my own campaign and not be dependent on engineers, architects and those who benefit from the county,” Villarreal said.

“And I want to choose the people who will be best for our county, not me choosing them just because they pay me.”

Early voting runs through Friday, Feb. 28 with election day set for Tuesday, March 3.

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February 21, 2020

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Capturing Wild West, Indiana Jones spirit in music

McALLEN – The Valley Symphony Orchestra presents Indiana Jones and the Wild West, featuring music from Raiders of the Lost Ark and the classical Western film The Big Country, on Friday, Feb. 28. The concert will feature soloist and VSO principal trumpet Jared Broussard and will be conducted by Maestro Peter Dabrowski.

Broussard will perform Alexander Arutunian’s trumpet concerto, a piece written to showcase the sound and character of the trumpet. The concerto features the sounds of Armenian folk music and is known for its distinctive melodies. The concerto high-

lights and accentuates the Because of his musical fundamentals of brass play- accomplishments and leadering – range, stamina, techni- ship as a non-commissioned cal prowess, and officer, Broussard tone. was twice awardBroussard is ed as Marine Mua member of the sician of the Year Dallas Wind Symfor Marine Band phony in addition San Diego during to the Valley Symhis service in the phony Orchestra, Marine Corps. and is assistant John Williams’ professor of trumRaiders March is pet at The Unialso on the Feb. versity of Texas Jared Broussard 28 program. WilRio Grande Valliams is renowned ley. Previously, for his soaring and he was principal trumpet of pulse-pounding film compothe Marine Band San Diego sitions, including the music and a member of the Marine for Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Corps Brass Quintet. and the Harry Potter films

among others. Raiders March is the main theme from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. The Big Country Suite

by Jerome Moross rounds out the concert, transporting listeners across the western plains in pursuit of the new frontier. The piece features selections from the 1958 film The Big Country, an epic Western tale of love, adventure, and family rivalries.

Tickets are available at the McAllen Performing Arts Center box office or online at valleyorchestra.org. For more information, call the VSO office at 956-661-1615.

PHARR – The Pharr Community Theater Company (PCT) will hold a fundraiser event with singer Arturo Gutierrez paying tribute to the Mexican crooner, JOSÉ JOSÉ. Also on the bill is comedian Mario “Super Star” Salazar. The show starts at 9 p.m. tonight, Feb. 21, and only 55 tickets are available for $25 each.

According to Pedro Garcia, PTC artistic director, the funds will help with the purchase of new lighting, production and sound equipment for the community playhouse.

Gutierrez who has been performing since he was 13 years old in Reynosa, Tamps.,

Mexico, started with a rock club precisely when I was group called Los Pica Piedra singing one of his songs. He (The Flintstones). For four was in town for a concert he decades, he sang and played would be performing, and percussions as he liked what he a front man for heard. I was introThe New Variety duced to him that Band garnering evening where nominations by he complimented The Tejano Music me and became a Awards and nufriend and an admerous accolades mirer giving me throughout his two thumbs up, career. and we took a picIt was in 1987 ture. I’ve always while performing Arturo Gutierrez treasured that day at a club in McAland I will always len, then called sing his songs as The Library, when Gutierrez long as I can,” said Gutierrez. met his idol José José.

Opening the show for “He happened to be at the Gutierrez is Mario “Super Star” Salazar, a 14-year comedy veteran who has toured and performed for audiences around the country shedding humorous light on the ev-

eryday Hispanic experience and the quirks of life on the border.

Now in its 12th year, the nonprofit theatre continues to produce between three to four main stage plays per year, non-stop, and offers acting and creative writing workshops on a quarterly basis for groups of adolescents and adults. Auditions for the roles in each play are always open to anyone willing to try.

Advance tickets may be purchased by texting or calling 956-655-9308 or visit eventbrite.com. The theater seats 55 persons at a time and is located at 213 W. Newcombe Ave., Pharr. PCT will open one hour before curtain and tickets will also be available at the door upon availability.

PTC plans José José tribute show fundraiser tonight

UVAL plans Feb. 29 butterfly hunt

Members of the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL) and the general public are invited to go on the hunt for super-sized butterflies. No butterfly net is needed – only cameras – to capture images of the various butterfly sculptures UVAL members and area residents have created that are prominently placed around Mission.

The hunt takes place on

Camarata Cellista concert announced The McAllen Music Club presents Camarata Cellista group (pictured above) in concert on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. at McAllen Mobile Park, 4900 N. McColl Road, McAllen.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for the music club’s scholarship fund benefitting high school students planning to pursue a degree in music. The repertoire will cover an array of composers and styles ranging from 19th century Czech composer Antonin Dvorak to 20th century American composer George Gershwin.

Y T I N U Comm t Y s T e I F m N m U CMFRIoSESE ION 3:00 P.M. 2020

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Saturday, Feb. 29. Registration time is 8 a.m. at the UVAL home located at 921 E. 12th St. in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center.

Photos can be taken on cameras or cell phones. Participants can show up for the breakfast, while it lasts, and then take up to two hours walking or riding to find and capture images of as many of the sculptured butterflies as they can to win a prize. Entries must be time dated on the camera or cell phone to verify images were captured during the two-hour time of the event and returned before the deadline to the registration site to turn in to the judges.

There is no admission fee to participate, but there will be a donation box for those who would like to donate and support the ongoing work of UVAL and the arts in Mission and the Rio Grande Valley.

For more information, call 956-583-2787.

Coming Attractions February 21 • The Mission Historical Museum will hold two screenings, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., of the 1979 western film “She Came to the Valley,” based on the novel written by local author Cleo Dawson. Tickets are $5 and purchase includes a copy of her book with ticket purchase. Tickets may be purchases at the museum located at 900 Doherty Ave. For more information, call 956-580-8646.

February 21-22 • The 52nd Annual Fiesta Edinburg 2020 features headliners Rodney Atkins on Friday and Los Palominos on Saturday, performing at H.E.B. Park, 1616 S. Raul Longoria Rd. in Edinburg. Along with the concerts the event includes the Heart of America Carnival, The Fearless Flores Family thrill show with aerial Daredevils and Motorcycle Madness daily, and, for the little ones, the Animal Connection petting zoo and pony rides. Tickets for both concerts can be purchased at hebparkrgv.com.

February 21-23 • South Texas College (STC) Theatre presents Jo Roets’ adaptation of “Cyrano,” from a play by Edmond Rostand and translated into English by Audry Van Tuyckom at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. All performances will be at STC’s Cooper Center for Communication Arts, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen. General admission is $10 and student, faculty, military, and senior citizen are $5. Tickets can be purchased with cash or check one hour before the performance at the box office, or online at southtexascollege.edu/go/theatre. . The Sunday matinee will be interpreted in American Sign Language. For information, call 956-872-2301 or email drodri72@southtexascollege.edu or jrodriguez@southtexascollege.edu.

February 23 • Multi-award winning Christian singing artist Jaci Velasquez will visit the Abundant Life Church, 101 N. “O” Street in Harlingen, with her “Trust Tour” at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to 25 with VIP tickets for $35. Children age 10 and younger receive free admission. For more information, call 956-425-1696. Tickets are available online at itickets.com or by phone at 800-965-9324.

February 24 • The Wind Orchestra & Symphonic Winds with the UTRGV Patron of the Arts Student Ensemble Series will perform at 7 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. General admission is $5.

Go to patron.utrgv.edu for tickets. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881.

February 25 • Croatian pianist Javor Bračić comes to the Edinburg PAC on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at patron. utrgv.edu.

February 28 • Baritone Weston Hurt will perform in a concert at 3 p.m. the UTRGV Edinburg library auditorium, 1201 W. University Dr. Admission is free.

February 28-March 1, March 20-22 • UTRGV Productions presents the musical “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in Edinburg. The production contains adult themes and language. Children age 10 and younger will not be admitted.

Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and military and $5 for student/faculty/staff patrons with valid I.D. Purchase tickets online at patron.utrgv.edu.

February 29 • The Shakes-Beer Garden features a show, food, beer and togas at the Tower Theater, 120 S. Kansas in Weslaco. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the arrival of Julius Caesar at 7 p.m., followed by the festival, food and beer tasting. Dressing up in togas is recommended. Tickets are $35 and available online at iloveit.live or the Weslaco Museum. Call 956-261-5656 for information.

March 1 • The W will be held at 3 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex auditorium along with the nationally recognized UTRGV Ballet Folklorico. General admission is $10 and $5 for seniors and students. Go to patron.utrgv.edu for tickets and information.

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

Jeronimo Maya performance is Feb. 26 EDINBURG – Jerónimo Maya, guitarist, presents “A Gypsy and Two Worlds” in the guest artist series hosted by the UTRGV Patron of the Arts. The performance will be staged Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. in the UTRGV Performing Arts Complex, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg.

Described as a “guitar genius,” Maya is a direct descendant guitarist Ramón Montoya. Beginning his career at the tender age of 5, he was quickly recognized not only by the public and within the flamenco community, but also by masters such as Sabicas or Paco de Lucia.

In this performance, fla-

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menco will be presented in a fusion with multiple cultural influences and music as the bonding language. The presentation will include a flamenco dancer, singer, cellist, and percussionist.

Admission is free. For special accommodations, call 956-665-3881.

February 21, 2020

To discuss disappearing Rio Grande River

EVENTS

CALENDAR

“Part of the Plan” Bruno Andrade, Oil on canvas, 36 x 48 in., 2003.

STC library exhibition looks at mentorship impact McALLEN – The South Texas College Pecan Campus Library Art Gallery, in collaboration with STC’s Visual Art Department, presents an exhibition that encompasses both floors of the STC Library featuring original work by the late Bruno Andrade, curated by his son Trey Andrade.

STC has been hosting “Bruno: The Legacy of an Artist – Educator,” since January and will hold a closing reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the gallery located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. on Thursday, Feb. 27, in McAllen. Rolando Reyna and Joe Peña will lead a lecture at 10 a.m. in the STC Library Rainbow Room and a workshop at 1 p.m. in the Art Building, B113. All events are free and open to the public.

“Bruno: The Legacy of an Artist – Educator,” is also comprised by a simultaneous exhibition of artwork by Andrade’s former students, most of whom have gone on to be professional artists themselves. Their work will be exhibited on the first floor of the library, and offers insight into the relationship of mentors and the lasting impact of instructors.

STC Visual Art Professors Luis Corpus and Richard Smith were both students of Andrade at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

For more information, contact STC Library Art Gallery Coordinator, Gina Otvos at (956) 872-3488, gotvos@southtexascollege. edu or visit library.southtexascollege.edu/libraryart.

5K supports juvenile diabetes

WESLACO – The 5K Sweet Run & Fun Walk, supporting the South Texas Juvenile Diabetes Association, will be held on Saturday, March 7, at Mayor Pablo Peña Park, 300 N. Airport Dr. in Weslaco. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with an 8 a.m. start for the 5K and 8:30 a.m. start for the Fun Walk.

Entry fees are $25 for the 5K, $20 per runner in teams

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of three or more, and $5 for the one-mile Fun Walk. The Fun Walk is free for children with diabetes and ages 10 and under. Awards will be given to the largest team, best T-shirt design and most spirited team. Register at stjda.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Call 956-627-5594 for information.

February 22 – Zoës Kitchen will host the Food Bank RGV’s Empty Bowls Mobile Paint Party Kick-off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3400 W. Expressway 83, Bldg. 700, Suite 700 in McAllen. supplies will provided. Bowls painted will be used for the Food Bank RGV’s biggest fundraiser later this year on Sept.

22. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Philip Farias 956-904-4513 or via email at pfarias@foodbankrgv.com.

February 22 – The Refuge Trash Bash at South Padre Island will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with 13 miles of beach from County Beach Access 6 to the latest units of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Organization booths will be set up to educate the public on environmental impact and about the National Wildlife Refuge System. Register at eventbrite.com/e/refuge-trashbash-tickets-88908366317.

February 24 – Senator Donna Campbell, M.D. (R-New Braunfels) and Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. (D-Brownsville) will host a free Veterans Appreciation Dinner at 5 p.m. in the Harlingen Convention Center, 701 Harlingen Heights Dr. It will be preceded by a public hearing of the Texas Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Border Security (VABS) at 1 p.m. All veterans are invited to attend the hearing, provide testimony if needed, and to attend the appreciation meal.

February 29 – On the last Saturday of the month, the Edinburg World Birding Center opens its doors for free to the public. This month’s theme is alien animals from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be puzzles, crafts, games, and other activities.

Binoculars, children’s garden play sets and Junior Ranger field packs are available to borrow free of charge with a valid picture I.D. EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 956-381-9922 for information.

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

Time to sign up for Big Squeeze competition AUSTIN – The 14th annual Big Squeeze Accordion Contest, presented annually by Texas Folklife, announces its 2020 event lineup featuring youth competitions, live concerts and music workshops in traditional Texas accordion music genres including conjunto, polka, Cajun, zydeco and more.

From February to April, the Texas Folklife team will produce events in communities across the state to highlight talented young accordion players and celebrating Texas’ diverse musical heritage. The competitions and workshops are open to the public and seeking participants. Locally contestants will participate on Saturday, March 7, at Palmview High School and Saturday, April 4 in Edinburg at the Conjunto semi-finals at the Museum of South Texas History Interested players are encouraged to submit an application ahead of the showcase date to reserve a slot or arrive an hour before the showcase begins. Those who live more

than 20 miles from a showcase may also mail or email their entries to arrive at Texas Folklife no later than March 22 at 12 midnight. Signup, event details and contest rules are now available online at texasfolklife.org/ bigsqueeze2020 or by calling 512-441-9255.

Contest finalists will compete in the finals and concert at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin on Sunday, April 19, where grand prize winners will be selected. Each of the grand prize winners will receive a prize package valued at over $2,500 including a Hohner accordion, cash prize, performance opportunities with Texas Folklife, publicity, professional development and other professional opportunities.

Additionally, the winners will perform onstage with legendary Texas musicians at Texas Folklife’s Accordion Kings & Queens Concert, held at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre on June 6.

McALLEN – Lawrence fell prey to the agricultural Lof, president and CEO of boom of the late 19th and the Gorgas Science Foun- 20th century. By the middation, will share his exper- 20th century only a few isotise and knowledge of the lated patches survived.

Lof was awarded proever-changing Rio Grande River at Quinta Mazatlán at fessor emeritus status at 6 p.m. as he presents “The UTRGV Valley in 2013 for Rio Grande: Reflections on a his efforts in starting the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Disappearing River.” the 145,000-hectThe Rio are conservation Grande Rivzone preserving er and the ecoone of the most systems along biodiverse areas its banks have of the Western changed dramatHemisphere and ically in the last the northernmost 150 years. Until tropical cloud forthe middle of the est in the Amer19th century the icas. He has also Rio Grande was restore a mighty river. It Lawrence Lof helped historic strucwas often called North America’s second tures, one being the iconic Mississippi. Looking at the 1937 Neutra House, a rare Rio Grande River today, it is local relict that was once listhard to visualize the fleet of ed as one of the 10 most ensteamboats once fought the dangered historic structures strong current far up river in the US. He continues to or the miles of dense palm lead efforts to restore buildforest that dominated the ings in historic Brownsville.

Admission is $3 per perlower course of river delta.

By 1902, the last riverboat son. Quinta Mazatlán is loceased to operate. The Sabal cated at 600 Sunset Drive in Palm forests that covered the McAllen. For more informarichest alluvial delta soils tion, call 956-681-3370.

Meet Scrambles. She is about 4 months old and has a very calm and loving disposition. If you are interested in making Scrambles part of your family, contact the Mission Pawsible Program at 956-580-8741, M-F, 8AM5PM. 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

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR is committed to rebuilding our South Texas infrastructure.

That’s why over 225 local leaders have endorsed him for Congress.

As our Congressman, he’s delivering real results for HIDALGO COUNTY. ★ $1,300,000,000 through the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) for local infrastructure projects through 2029.

★ $2,703,699 for firefighters in Hidalgo County through FEMA Firefighter programs.

★ $11,412,403 to upgrade McAllen’s Airport since 2014.

★ $13,475,525 for public housing in Hidalgo County since 2011.

★ $71,458,091 in Title I funding for the Independent School District in Hidalgo County over the last two years.

★ $7,999,815 in Community Development Block Grants for Hidalgo County since 2011.

★ $4,500,000 through the Department of Education to improve local elementary and secondary schools.

★ $3,241,600 through the Department of Commerce to help revitalize local communities.

★ $35,277,969 in Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) funds to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office since 2008.

★ $11,593,200 in USDA Rural Development grants entities to upgrade clean water and waste disposal infrastructure.

O N T U E S D AY, M A R C H 3 R D , V O T E T O R E - E L E C T Early voting is between February 18-28.

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page 12

February 21, 2020

www.ptrgv.com

Greatness in Geriatrics

MRMC is the first hospital in South Texas to earn Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Leaders at the Mission Regional Medical Center hold their accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Courtesy photo.

By Jamie Treviño Seniors living in the Rio Grande Valley can find especially focused care at the Mission Regional Medical Center.

On Jan. 5, 2020, MRMC got word they had earned a Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) after a six-month application process. One of three hospitals to earn the accreditation in all of Texas, MRMC (part of the Prime Healthcare system) is the first in the RGV and southern region of the state.

According to a press release from MRMC, the accreditation recognizes institutions that are focused

on the “highest standards of care for older adults in their community,” which is good for senior residents and Winter Texans.

Kane Dawson, the Chief Executive Officer of the MRMC, spoke on the need for geriatric-friendly services in the area.

“It’s an important part of our brand, we want our patients in the community to understand that we really are there to focus on their needs,” Dawson said. “I think, if anything, it demonstrates our strong commitment to knowing and caring for our community.”

Eira Romero, the Emergency Services Director at MRMC, explained what standards the hospital has to meet for the accreditation re-

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quirements.

“We have specialized equipment, bigger wheelchairs, walkers, larger clocks,” Romero said.

Enrique Cantu, the Director of Quality and Safety, added that MRMC has a screening process to ensure any needs that seniors have are met.

“We have dietary consults if needed, pharmacy on the floor,” Cantu said. “If they come through our ED and require a meal, we have a process in place so they can get a meal before they get discharged. There are circumstances where we put things in place to help our seniors in the experience they have in our facility.”

The Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) program is the culmination of years of progress in emergency care of older adults. In 2014, ACEP along with the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the American Geriatrics Society, developed and released the geriatric ED guidelines.

They recommended measures ranging from adding geriatric-friendly equipment, specialized staff and more routine screening for delirium, dementia, and fall risk, among other vulnerabilities.

“It’s always been a strong focus for Mission Hospital,” Dawson said. “In Prime Healthcare, we’re part of a health system that has 45 hospitals throughout the country, and we work closely to share best practices.”

Prime Healthcare hospitals in Kansas City have already gone through the accreditation process, so considering the large population of geriatrics and Winter Texans in the community, they introduced the concept to Mission.

“Much of the accredita-

tion process we were already doing and was in place,” Dawson said. “It’s because of the demographics in this area.”

The program provides criteria and goals for emergency clinicians and administrators to follow, and to receive accreditation an emergency department “must incorporate a number of best practices for geriatric care, along with interdisciplinary geriatric education, and have geriatric-appropriate equipment and supplies available.”

MRMC has been holding Senior Talks monthly to address education specifically, as preventative measures are vital for health and wellness.

“We invite seniors from the community into the hospital on different topics with a focus on prevention and ways to keep them out of the hospital in the first place,” Dawson said.

“The benefit for the community, if nothing else, is in teaching,” Cantu added. “We want our community to be better informed of our health needs.”

Romero noted that Senior Talks are informative, and keep people aware of the risks that come with age.

“The one for February was cardiac, the one for March is for colon cancer: signs and symptoms and prevention,” Romero said. “We’re also working on fall prevention, and that’s a major, major one. A lot of our [elderly] ED patients that come in, come in for ground-level falls.”

MRMC also has pharmacists ready to meet patients at their bedside, creating streamlined accessibility.

Dawson noted that this is necessary to provide the best care for patients.

“When a senior comes into the ED, it triggers a

Local couples say ‘I do’ on Valentine’s Day

Progress Times photo by Jose De Leon III.

Uriel and Jennifer Medina getting married at the Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Place 2 courtroom Friday, Feb. 14, 2020.

By Jose De Leon III After 9 years together, with her dressed in a white wedding dress and him in a tuxedo, Erika and Carlos Torres tied the knot on Valentine’s Day last week at the county Precinct 3 courtroom.

“We’ve been best friends since middle school and started dating in high school,” Ericka explained. “We were supposed to get married two years ago but we couldn’t get the marriage license in time and now, two years later to the day, it’s finally happening.”

Ericka and Carlos were among the dozens of couples who were married by Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Place 2 Justice of the Peace Juan” J.J.” Pena after he waived wedding fees for Valentine’s Day. This is the second year he has done this, Pena said.

“It’s a way of giving back and I hope it continues to grow every year,” Pena said.

“It’s a day to celebrate love and friendship on a special day and a way to remember.”

According to Pena, wedding fees cost as much as $200. Ericka, 22, and Carlos, 22, said the money saved on wedding fees will go toward a mini honeymoon celebration at

south Padre Island during the weekend, followed by a wedding ceremony in san Juan that was set for Friday evening.

“The nerve wrecking part is over and we’re now married; it’s crazy,” Carlos said.

“I’m honored. I’m part of her life and I’m so happy.”

Pena married 33 couples by the end of the day, he said.

“It feels good uniting them, one of the more joyful and rewarding parts of holding this office,” Pena said of the weddings.

“We’ve seen people who have been together a long time and families meeting for the first time as in-laws as they support their children getting married, every story we’ll see today is different and special in its own way.”

Other couples who got married that day included Uriel Medina, 28, and Jennifer Medina, 26. The couple from Edinburg met last year and got married surrounded by friends and family and are already starting a family as Jennifer is 18 weeks pregnant, Uriel said “I’ve wanted to marry her since I first saw her, I just knew I would love her forever,” Uriel said. “And we have a baby on the way so it’s even better.”

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heightened awareness that we may have a senior who may have special needs,” Dawson said. “A lot of times it’s pharmacy - a lot of geriatric or senior patients are on multiple medications, and it’s difficult to initiate or diagnose care until you understand a thorough assessment of their medication history as well.”

One of the other focuses has been on transitioning in and out of the emergency department - MRMC is working to ensure every move goes smoothly.

“It’s just refining what we already do,” Dawson said, noting that the hospital is now in the process of recruiting a geriatrician.

MRMC earned the GEDA on Jan. 5 this year, and the accreditation will last for the next three years.

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assistant superintendent for business and finance said, adding that the proposed upgrades to SHS will range from $22 million to $28 million while the upgrades at John H. Shary are estimated to cost between $3 million to $4 million.

“We won’t have the exact number until we go out for bids on these projects,” Gonzalez told the board.

Should any money remain from the bond issue after the upgrades, Gonzalez said the board can look into upgrading the district’s administrative building.

“Right now we want to take care of the students first and then maybe two years down the line we can see how we’re doing before we decide to upgrade our admin buildings,” Vidaurri said.

School board President Jose “Pepe” Garcia agreed with Vidaurri’s suggestion, adding that he has seen people positively react to the news of a possible bond election when he brings it up.

“People are excited, they know Sharyland High needs this and the kids deserve it,” Garcia said. “They feel it’s the right time, Sharyland parents who are always talking about

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MISSION 1300 EAST 8TH STREET MISSION, TEXAS 78572

THE CLASSIFIEDS

ANNOUNCES PUBLIC NOTICE

Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Administrative office located at 1300 East 8th St. The purpose of this hearing is to obtain input from city residents in reference to the Capital Fund Program annual submission to be submitted for Calendar Year 2020. Total funds being allocated are estimated at $537,314.00.

All residents are encouraged to attend this hearing. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. From Monday, February 24, 2020 to Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Persons can also submit written comments prior to public hearing.

A. R. Sandoval Interim Executive Director (956)585-9747.

The Housing Authority of the City of Mission, Texas is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.

For Sale

MOBILE HOME FOR sale, 2 bedroom, 1 with Murphy bed or office, living room, eat-in kitchen, storage shed, covered porch, burglar bars, southend shades, all new appliances, move-in ready, Lot 137 at Circle T in Mission, call 269-716 -4619.

LIVING ROOM FURNITURE, only 1 sofa and 1 loveseat left, $550 OBO; Dining room furniture plus china, 2 arm chairs and 4 regular chairs, price drop to $680 OBO, call 956 -445-7562, leave message if no answer.

FOR SALE, LOTS 157, 158, 159 to be sold as 1 unit at The Lamplighter 55 and over community located at 2240 S. Bentsen Palm Dr. in Palmview, TX, includes 2 septic systems, water, and electric, call 717-418 -0461 for more information.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Palmview Planning and Zoning Garage Board Sales will hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2020RUMMAGE at 6:00 pm at SALE, Valley the Palmview City Hall Council Chambers, 400 West TROPICAL Veterans Blvd, Acres, 1240 E. Bus. Palmview, Texas to consider the following: 83 in Mission, bake sale, raffle, coffee, and food, Friday, • Discussion and possible action to rezone from its present designated February 28, 8:00 am until 2:00 pm and land use zoning Single Family Residential (R-1) ToSaturday, Multi Family February Residential (R-3): LA HOMA ROAD LOT 45 & 46 29 from 8:00 am until noon. designated • Discussion and possible action to rezone from its present

land used zoning Agricultural Open Space (AO-1) toHelp Single Wanted Family Residential (R-1): 7.36 acres of land out of a Canal Right NOW of Way in the St. Louis Groves Subdivision Vol. 8, Pg. 47 HIRING EXPERIENCED Fabricator H.C.M.R. , Hidalgo County Texas. specialized in ducts

and accessories.

Ahora contratando Additionally, notice is hereby given that a hearing before the Palmview fabricante City Council will be held on Tuesday, April 07, 2020 at experimentado 6:00 pm at the especializado en Palmview City Hall Council Chambers to consider the recommendation conductos y accesorios, call/ of the Planning and Zoning Board on this matter. llame Amy 956-369 -2468.

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 Department at (956)432-0300.

Planning Director: Rodolfo Flores III

Pt

Progress times

Being 2.42 acre Garage Salestract of land, more or less, being part of or portion of Lot 43-4; West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, RUMMAGE SALE, 1 Page 56 of the Hidalgo County Map recorded in Volume TROPICAL Valley Records.

Acres, 1240 E. Bus. 83 in Mission, bake

1

sale, II:raffle, coffee, Tract and 2.42 food, acre Friday, Being tract of land, more or less, being part of or February 28, 8:00 portion of Lot 43-4; am until 2:00 pm and West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, Saturday, inFebruary recorded Volume 1 Page 56 of the Hidalgo County Map 29 from 8:00 am until Records. noon.

Help Tract III: Wanted Being 19.06 HIRING acre tract of land out of the north 20.0 acres of NOW Lot 381; all out of John H. Shary Subdivision, recorded in EXPERIENCED Fabricator Volume 1 Page 17 of the Hidalgo County Map Records.

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AAhora public hearing will be held by the City of Alton, Texas on contratando fabricante the 10th day of March, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Legislative experimentado Chambers at the en Alton City Hall, Alton, Texas, located at 509 especializado S. Alton Blvd, Alton, conductos y Texas, for all persons interested in the accesorios, above proposedcall/ annexation. At said time and place all such llame Amy 956-369 persons -2468. shall have the right to appear and be heard. Of all

said matters and things, all persons interested in the things and matters herein mentioned, will take notice.

By order of the City Commission of the City of Alton, Texas this the 21st day of February,1 2020.

1 Salvador Vela, Mayor

Progress Times is made possible by our advertisers.

Please frequent their businesses and tell them you saw their ad in the Progress Times.

from pg. 1

LIVING ROOM FURNITURE, only 1 page 13 sofa and 1 loveseat File: 2left, $550 OBO; Dining room furniture 2/19/2020 - 4:3 plus china, 2 arm chairs and 4 regular Sa chairs, drop toRicardo “Ricky” attorney Matthew Total how small the classrooms are price incumbent Dillon $680 OBO, call 956 in their kid’s schools will be Longoria.

Both trustees have Richter, who at 26 would be -445-7562, leave messagebeenifon the noboard since 2014. the youngest member of the happy.” answer.

Formember Sale Julio Cerda Mobile Homesboard if elected, and Jozabad Board Cerda will face criminal FOR SALE, LOTS said he hopes investigator Alejandro Jahaziel “Jay” Palacios, an MOBILE HOMEdistrict FOR voters MOBILE HOME FOR 157, 158, 159 to be sale, 2 bedroom, 1 of sale, 2 school bedroom, assistant 1 sold as 1Rodriguez unit at The consider the necessity the who ran for principal for the with Murphy bed or with Murphy bed or Lamplighter 55 and bond board against Longoria in theroom, McAllen school district. office,election living before room, voting. office, living over community eat-in kitchen, kitchen, A look at the candidates located 2014 at 2240 S. eat-in “The needs are there, election. storage shed, shed, Palm Dr. in storage we’re discuss Bentsen them Longoria will face three for Sharyland school board coveredhere to porch, covered porch, Palmview, TX, burglar bars, burglarWalmart bars, includes opponents 2 septicin May: and give it a shot,” Cerda will be featured in next southend shades, all systems, water, and southend shades, all said. and Wellness week’s issue of the Progress new appliances, new Director appliances, electric, Health call 717-418 move-in ready, Lot move-in Cesar ready, Lot -0461 and for more is running pharmacist Times.

137Cerda at Circle T infor school 137 at Circle T in information.

Mission, along call 269-716 Mission, call 269-716 board with fellow Ramirez, McAllen-based -4619.

Garage Sales -4619.

LIVING ROOM FURNITURE, only 1 RUMMAGE SALE, and •1 S loveseat Bsofa UY E L LTROPICAL • T R AValley DE • REN T2-21-2020 • HIRE File: left, $550 OBO; Acres, 1240 E. Bus. Dining room furniture 83 in Mission, bake 2/19/2020 - 4:33:59 PMCLASSIFIED RATE: plus china, 2 arm sale, raffle, coffee, chairs and 4 regular and food, Friday, Total Sales: $82 1 Week = $7 chairs, price drop to we’re February 28,N. Conway 8:00 in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Make it happen, located at 1217 $680 OBO, call 956 2 Weeks = $10 am until 2:00 pm and - 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 -445-7562, Mon.leave Saturday, February 4 Weeks = $14 by phone 585-4893.

The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 5 p.m. message if no 29 from 8:00 am until answer. noon.

FOR SALE, LOTS Mobile Homes For159Sale Mobile Homes Help Wanted 157, 158, to be sold as 1 unit at The MOBILE HOME FORMOBILE MOBILE HOME FOR FOR NOW HOMEHIRING Lamplighter 55 and sale, 2 community bedroom, 1sale, sale, 2 bedroom, 1 2 bedroom, 1 EXPERIENCED over with Murphy bedS. orwith with Murphy bed or Murphy bed or Fabricator located at 2240 office, Palm livingDr.room, office, living room, living inroom, specialized ducts Bentsen in office, eat-in kitchen, eat-in kitchen, eat-in kitchen, and accessories.

Palmview, TX, storage shed, storage shed, storage shed, Ahora contratando includes 2 septic coveredwater, porch, covered porch, covered fabricante porch, systems, and burglarcall 717-418 bars,burglar burglar bars, experimentadobars, electric, southend shades, southend shades, all shades, allen especializado -0461 forappliances, moreallsouthend new new appliances, new appliances, y conductos information. move-in ready, Lotmove-in move-in ready, Lot ready, Lot accesorios, call/ 137 at Circle T in137 137 at Circle T in at Circle T in llame Amy 956-369 Garage Sales Mission, call 269-716Mission, Mission, call 269-716 -2468. call 269-716 -4619.

-4619.

-4619.

RUMMAGE SALE, LIVING ROOM TROPICAL Valley FURNITURE, only 1 Acres, 1240 E. Bus. sofa and 1 loveseat 83 in Mission, bake File: 2-21-2020 File: 2-21-2020 left, raffle, $550 coffee, OBO; sale, Dining roomFriday, furniture and food, 2/19/2020 - 4:33:59 PM 1 2/19/2020 4:33:59 PM plus china, arm February 28, 28:00 For the latest news and updates and pm 4 regular amchairs until 2:00 and Total Sales: $82 Total Sales: $82 chairs, price drop to Saturday, February www.ptrgv.com OBO,am call 956 29$680 from 8:00 until -445-7562, leave noon. message if no Your Hometown Newspaper, Bringing Communities Together. answer.

Help Wanted FOR SALE, LOTS 157, 158, 159 to be NOW HIRING sold as 1 unit at The EXPERIENCED Lamplighter 55 and Fabricator NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING over community specialized in ducts locatedaccessories. at 2240 S. and Bentsencontratando Palm Dr. in Ahora Palmview, TX, Texas proposes to institute annexation fabricante The City of Alton, includes 2 toseptic experimentado proceedings enlarge and extend the boundary limits of systems, water, en and especializado said city call to include electric, 717-418 conductos y the following described territory, to-wit: -0461 for call/ more accesorios, information. llame Amy 956-369 Tract I: -2468.

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page 14

February 21, 2020

www.ptrgv.com

FACT: Sheriff Guerra lowered crime to its lowest rate in 25 years.

During Sheriff Guerra’s tenure, he created and implemented collaborative partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to

successfully bring crime down to its lowest level in 25 years.

HIS RECORD SPEAKS FOR ITSELF: The only Texas Sheriff appointed to the Governor’s Domestic Terrorism Task Force.

Created the New Texas Transnational Intelligence Center in 2015.

Created a Domestic Violence Unit.

Implemented the Texas Anti-Gang Center in McAllen to fight gang activities in South Texas.

Chairman of the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition.

LAW ENFORCEMENT ASSOCIATIONS PROUDLY SUPPORT AND ENDORSE

RGV ANTI-GANG CENTER PARTNERSHIPS

SHERIFF GUERRA » McAllen Police Association » Mission Police Association » Pharr Police Association » San Juan Police Association » Weslaco Police Association » Adult Probation Association » RGV Coalition of Public Safety

Vote for Proven Leadership and Results we can Trust!

EL EC T I O N DAY IS M A RC H 3 , 2020.

E A R LY VOT IN G N OW T H ROUG H FEB RUA RY 28 .

TUES FEB

18

WED FEB

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THU FEB

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FRI FEB

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SAT FEB

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SUN FEB

23

7AM - 7PM

7AM - 7PM

7AM - 7PM

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10AM - 3PM

MON FEB

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7AM - 7PM E L E C T I O N D AY

Paid for by the Sheriff Eddie Guerra Campaign.