Friday, January 9, 2015
www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents
La Joya ISD election contest slated for trial
A
By Julie Silva ttorneys on both sides of La Joya ISD’s election contest won and lost battles during a pre-trial hearing Wednesday. The contest is scheduled for trial in the 398th District Court on Wednesday, Jan. 14. In the lawsuit, the losing slate of candidates, dubbed the Diamond Pack, allege that a politiquera, on behalf of Team Liberty – consisting
of Johnn Alaniz, Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza and Juan Jose “J.J.” Peña – paid two Mission postal workers for lists of residents in the area who receive mail-in ballots. The lawsuit states there is audio of one of the mailmen giving the list to a politiquera as well as video of the same mailman at the Team Liberty headquarters. Members of Team Liberty have denied the allegations. Wednesday, visiting Judge J. Bonner Dorsey de-
nied a motion for continuance requested by Javier Peña, attorney for the Diamond Pack, which includes Victoria Cantu, Irma Linda Villarreal-Veloz and Fernando Torres. The judge already had granted a continuance at the request of Gilberto Hinojosa, who is representing Team Liberty, in December. Peña argued Wednesday that he needed more time to gather information after he learned the name Sunday of a man Peña said assisted
school district employees at the polling location in La Joya who did not meet the qualifications for needing assistance. Hinojosa argued, “This continuance is a desperate attempt to try and fix something that I believe is not fixable.” During depositions of his clients, which occurred Monday, Hinojosa said it was clear Peña had no evidence of his allegations. Plus, he said, Diamond Pack candi-
dates received more mailin ballot votes than Team Liberty candidates. Even if those votes were thrown out, Team Liberty still wins. “I’m the defendant. I’m the one that should be asking for more time,” said Hinojosa. When the election contest was filed, Peña should have known how many people were assisted and had numbers stating exactly how many votes should be thrown out, Hinojosa said.
“Voters, citizens need to know that the people they elected were validly elected when they took office, that they have the right to take office, to govern,” said Hinojosa, adding that the allegations of fraud may affect the confidence of voters in his clients. “He doesn’t have anything. He has zero.” Peña said during depositions it came out that one of Hinojosa’s clients, Garza, is
See ELECTION CONTEST 12
78th Texas Citrus Fiesta “Old Time Rock & Roll”
Former princess takes throne as queen
T
By Julie Silva welve years ago, Rachel Christine Tunberg’s first title was Princess Anna. This month, the 18-year-old college student will be honored as Queen Citrianna during the 78th Texas Citrus Fiesta. Tunberg, who had been serving on the court as Lady in Waiting, clearly was surprised when the announcement was made at the Royal Coronation in January 2014. “If you see my face in pictures, you could fit a whole cake in my mouth,” she joked. The Lady in Waiting is named with the new queen’s court, which includes Queen Citrianna, Princess of Grapefruit Blossom, Princess of Orange Blossom as well as Lady in Waiting, at the end of the coronation. The new court is honored the following year, so the court named in 2014 will be honored this year. When Tunberg first competed as Duchess of Palms in 2013, she was named second alternate. It was only after one of the princesses on the
“I want her to be remembered as one of the best.” – Dina Tunberg
royal court dropped out and the first alternate declined to take her place that Tunberg was called to fill in as Lady in Waiting in the 2014 court. She had thought she wouldn’t have another shot at the Queen Citrianna title. It was an opportunity she didn’t waste. Tunberg began dance lessons at the age of 4, started dance and piano lessons at 6, and she’s been doing her own make-up since she was 8. Tunberg, a pageant regular, was ready. Tunberg’s mom, Dina, also was ready. She’s taken Rachel to every Royal Coronation since Rachel was a 6-year-old Princess Anna. Of course, competing for Princess Anna was a much different experience. They barely made the cutoff deadline to participate and Rachel had just started doing pageants. She was still very shy, but she remembers answering questions about pets, how
See TUNBERG 12
Product Costume Show Mission Community Center Saturday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. $5 per person Royal Reception Ball Mission Community Center Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. $50 per person Royal Coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna Neuhaus Gym at Mission High School Thursday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. $5 General Seating • $10 Reserved Seating Fiesta Fun Fair Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free Gate Admission at Leo Peña Placita Park Food Vendors – Arts & Craft – Kiddie Rides – Entertainment Entry deadline: Jan. 9 Parade of Oranges Saturday, Jan. 31, at 3 p.m. North to South on Conway, from FM 495 to Fourth Street Line up starts at 11 a.m. • Parade entry deadline: Jan. 20 Vaquero Cook-off Saturday, Jan. 31, all day • Leo Peña Veterans Park Entry deadline: Jan. 30 (Jan. 23 for food permit) Fun Run Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 a.m. Mission Hike and Bike Trail Mission Historical Museum exhibit Featuring traditional dresses of Mexico and sister cities On display through Feb. 7 • Celebrating Cleo Dawson Friday, Jan. 30, at 1:30 p.m. The Border Theater Screening of “She Came to the Valley” begins at 2 p.m., followed by reception at Mission Historical Museum Heart of America Carnival FM 495 and Conway Avenue Jan. 21-31 Citrus Youth Show Jan. 31 • 9th & Miller Ave. For more information Call 956-585-9724, email info@texascitrusfiesta.org or visit www.texascitrusfiesta.org.
ABOVE: Rachel Christine Tunberg reacts after she is named Queen Citrianna for the 78th Texas Citrus Fiesta in January 2014. She will be honored in this year’s festivities. BELOW: Tunberg is pictured as Princess Anna when she was 6.
INSIDE
INDEX
Mission leaders look at long-term
Peñitas names new city commissioner
Pioneer struggling in district play
Plans for the city of Mission range from infrastructure improvements to a convention center as city administrators begin 2015.
Ramiro Loya Sr. was named to the city commission this week after former mayor Marcos Ochoa resigned to take a county position.
Boys keep hope alive for playoff spot, while injuries continue to haunt girls’ squad in first-year program.
See story page 3
See story page 5
See story page 8
Entertainment | pg. 2
Lifestyle | pg. 6
Opinion | pg. 4
Sports | pg. 8
Obituaries | pg. 9
Classifieds | pg. 11
entertainment
‘Alice in Wonderland’ – with a twist – begins tonight
T
he Sharyland High School (SHS) Carpe Diem Players present “Alice in Wonderland” – with a twist – this weekend and next, Jan. 9 to 11 and 16 to 18, at the SHS auditorium, 1216 N. Shary Road in Mission. The student-led production, adapted by Jason Pizzarello from Lewis Caroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through
the Looking-Glass,” carries a twist with flair in this Carpe Diem interpretation. It takes innocent Alice into a dark, backwards Wonderland realm. But, the added bonus of the students’ creativity has turned their version into a modern musical with rearranged popular tunes and modern dance. Choreography was created by Samantha Peña, Senior Class president, and Rilee
Dahl, Michael Garcia and Dylan Salinas. They have incorporated dance styles which run the gambit from, ballet to Hip-Hop, tap and jazz. Students Christopher Koenig and Samantha Young both have a varied background of theatrical experience in and outside of the Sharyland District. They created and led theatre workshops where the cast and crew learned the philosophy and background of Wonder-
land and its characters. The students became rooted with an understanding of the interplay between the characters to bring everything to life. Sabrina Dahl, SHS theatre director, and Lilia Fertig, previous theatre director, worked and supported the students throughout the process. The culmination of their work has produced a fami-
See ALICE 6
Coming Attractions
January 13 • The Valley Symphony Sky Tower Chamber Concert II begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Sky Tower Club. It is located on the 17th floor of the Chase Bank Building, 200 S. 10th in McAllen. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and $35 for seniors and students and can be purchased at valleyorchestra.org. January 13, 22, 25 • The Senior Ambassadors perform at Seven Oaks Country Club in Mission on Jan. 13, Bentsen Grove RV Park in Mission on Jan. 22, and the First Presbyterian Church in Mission on Jan. 25. All shows begin at 7 p.m. January 16-18 • It’s Monster Jam time at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo featuring the biggest and baddest trucks on the Monster motorsport circuit. With over 30 trucks racing and freestyling, they’ll be kicking up the dirt as their engines roar through the arena. At the “Pit Party” fans can get autographs and memorabilia from their favorite drivers. The action begins at 7:30 all three nights and with 2
p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets, available at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000, range from $10 to $52 per person. January 31 • Their back! The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their B-ball game on back to State Farm Arena in Hidalgo this month. Doors open at 2 p.m. and all the action, laughter and skills hit the floor at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $17 to $84 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by call 800745-3000. Weekly • Catholic War Veterans Post #1065 in Mission invites the public to their “Get Away Thursday Dance” held every Thursday evening, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. It is located at 500 W. Business 83. Music by the Electro Band provides country western, Tejano, the Oldies, cumbias and more. No cover charge. Call 5835961 or email Doodrey@ netzero.com for more information. To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.
T
January 9, 2015
page 2
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
Watercolor Society exhibit opens Jan. 7
his year’s opening reception for the Hidalgo Watercolor Society Show, “Running with Color,” takes place this Saturday, Jan. 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. The exhibit remains on display through Feb. 5 and works will be available for sale. All works in the show are the original watercolor creations of Hidalgo Watercolor Society (HWS) members. The general public will cast votes for their favorite painting to receive the “People’s Choice Award.” The winning piece will become the image to promote the 2016 Hidalgo Water Color Society Show. This year’s show
poster features “Roadrunner,” a watercolor painting by Sue Sill selected from 2014. HWS membership represents a wide range of artists from across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Many live in the Valley year “Roadrunner” by Sue Sill
round and others are Winter Texans. These men and women work together and individually to produce quality paintings on a variety of themes and subjects. The opening reception is an opportunity for the public to learn about painting with watercolors, to meet the artists, and to purchase reasonably priced local art. Refreshments will be served.
Elvis Festival at Little Graceland set for Jan. 10
L
OS FRESNOS – Elvis fans get ready. The annual Elvis Festival at Little Graceland, 701 Ocean Blvd. in Los Fresnos, will returns on Saturday, Jan. 10. Elvis was born Jan. 8, 1935, and the festival is held each year on the Saturday closest to his birthday. The event is sponsored by Simon Vega, who served in the Army with Presley, the King of Rock n’ Roll. They served together at Fort Hood and again in Friedburg, Germany. It was while they were serving together in Germany they became friends, says Vega. When Vega returned home he began collecting an arra of memorabilia depicting Elvis’ career. He collected all of his musical albums as a hobby, along with stamps, postcards, caps, scarves and even metal children’s lunch boxes. The year after Elvis died, Vega turned the top floor of his home into a tribute museum for the Elvis.
For the past few years, Vega has been hosting an Elvis Festival where tribute artists come and perform their best renditions of Elvis’ music and compete to be voted the best Elvis of the festival. The museum will open at 9:30 a.m. for fans to look at the album covers, hear songs sung by Elvis in the background and look at the memorabilia of the 50s and 60s when Elvis was undisputed King of Rock n Roll. It’s a step back in time for those who remember the days. Starting at 10 a.m. there will be opening ceremonies. Elvis tribute artists will start performing at 11 a.m. Among those participating will be Jorge Corona, Luis Salazar, Henry Vasquez, Domingo Carvajal, Danny Lee Garza, Rene Davis, Rob Carter, Eddie Carson, Joe Marques and Chad Roy. Some have done Elvis tribute performances for Winter Texans in previous
See ELVIS FESTIVAL 6
January 9, 2015
page 3
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Mission leaders have eye on long-term growth
M
By Julie Silva ission city leaders said they’re looking at future development and growth as they head into 2015. Projects on the horizon include an international rail bridge, a convention center and street and water improvements. “I’m excited about this convention center,” Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas said. “I think that would really put us on the map.” City Manager Martin Garza said the city has preliminary architecture work on the convention center, but it hasn’t been finalized because the city and the Mission Economic Development Corporation are conducting a study to determine the best three locations for the project.
C
Once the results of the study are in, Garza said the city commission would decide on how to finance the project. There are a few options, he said. The city could take out a bond issue to fund the project or seek proposals from developers on ways to form a public-private partnership. On the rail bridge, Salinas said the city is working with Kansas City Southern on constructing the bridge across the river, in conjunction with Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority and the city of McAllen. The city of Mission has had a permit to construct the bridge since 1978, and it expires in seven years. Once constructed, the bridge will bring in additional revenue to the city. “It’s pretty doable,” Sa-
linas said. “We’ve been talking to Mexico and everybody seems to be on board, so hopefully we can work something out with them.” The city commission already has authorized the mayor to negotiate a partnership agreement between Mission and the RMA, which has the authority for condemnation. Mission would be responsible for constructing the rail bridge and the RMA would be responsible for the rail between Mission and Alice. Garza said they’re looking at several locations for the bridge between Abram Road and Madero Subdivision. There are several road projects in the works, but one of the biggest – the overpass at Inspiration Road and U.S. 83 – won’t be finished until 2016, Garza said. But
the city already is starting construction on 2 Mile Line, having purchased the needed right-of-way for the project, which will extend from Conway to Moorefield in Mission and on to La Homa in the county. The city also has plans to expand Inspiration Road from the highway to 3 Mile Line to four lanes with a center lane. “We believe that that’s going to help some economic development open up on the west side, especially with Inspiration now going directly under that new overpass,” Garza said. Taylor Road will also see improvements, and Salinas and Garza said the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization is set to put money into the project,
Alton aims to change image
By Julie Silva ity leaders hope the expansion of services, new businesses and the addition of three apartment complexes will help change the surrounding area’s perception of Alton. Lone Star National Bank is setting up shop across the street from city hall, and next door the new fire station is almost complete. The fire station was delayed originally when bids for construction came in lower than the city’s estimates. That meant the city could add back in additional staff quarters for the firemen.
Alton City Manager Jorge Arcaute hopes to start an academy and training center for firefighters in the area. Already, he said, the city has hosted two courses and attracted firefighters from La Feria and Zapata. “I think when we get the new building, we’ll have the facility to be doing a lot more training almost throughout the calendar year,” Arcaute said. Arcaute expects the building, which kicked off construction two years ago, to be complete by spring. One of the more recent delays spurred from a grant the city received to provide environ-
Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week
Townsend announced his candidacy for Mission mayor Pat Townsend Jr. owned Sparky’s convenience store and was a partner in Sparks and Townsend Construction Co. “I have been an active participant in local civic activities over the past several years, and I have decided that now is the time for me to serve the needs of Mission as an elected official,” Townsend stated in his announcement. Garza, Perez announced candidacies for MCISD Fred “Kike” Garza Jr., of Alton, filed for the Place 7 seat then held by Carl Waitz Sr. Garza owned the New Chapparral Hardware and Auto Parts Store north of Mission. Ricardo A. Perez, of Mission, filed for the Place 4 seat. Perez was director of administration for Texas Rural Legal Aid.
mentally friendly stormwater drainage through permeable pavers that better absorb rainwater on the property. Steve Peña, president of the Alton Economic Development Corporation, said the project is significant “because that’s kind of the pebble in a still pond. It starts trickling, and everybody else is going to start doing this because that’s the path that everybody needs to go into.” Over the past few years, the fire department has transitioned from volunteer to paid, with 16 firefighters, including two chiefs, and most recently the city added two certified peace officers under the fire marshal’s office. “Public safety is always something that you can invest in and make sure that you get a return on that investment very quickly,” Arcaute said. The city also added three new slots to the police department, two were grant-funded slots that the city will need to pick up next year, and one slot will be paid for by the school district for an officer in the junior high. Arcaute said the city also is looking at the best way to move forward with plans for a digital library. It’s possible, he said, for the city to split the project up into phases, starting with a computer center for students and adults
without access to computers. Peña also wants to include a coffeehouse, and the city is looking at constructing an interpretive center, a theater-style room with visual aids for presentations. “We’re kind of in the middle of things. Alton is not the sticks anymore, and it’s only going to grow,” Arcaute said. “We know that this area and its growth is just about guaranteed … Hopefully, we’ll get a little credit for being with it and not coming in at the tail end or following a trend.” Arcaute said the latest population estimate he’s seen for Alton is around 15,000, which is almost double the estimate from a decade ago. Peña said three separate apartment complexes with a combined 340 units are scheduled to begin construction in March or April. They’ll take 12-14 months to construct, and Arcaute estimated they’d bring in an additional 2,000-3,000 residents to the community. The three complexes each were awarded 9 percent tax credits from the state to provide affordable housing. The cost of rent is scaled to income. The developments were met with some protest from area residents, and a similar complex was reject-
See ALTON 5
which will expand Taylor from the highway to 2 Mile Line. Garza pointed out having Taylor as a thoroughfare on the east side of town meeting with the newly constructed 2 Mile Line to the north and Inspiration Road to the west would create connectivity in the city. The city’s also budgeted to construct a water tower in southeast Mission this year. Garza said the city is currently looking for the right spot, meeting with landowners to find at least a half an acre for the tower, which is expected to alleviate pressure on the north side and give better pressure on the south. And the city is working to get a grant from the Texas Water Development Board to expand its sewer plant from treating 9 million gallons of water a day to 13.5, which would help the city’s future growth and allow Mission to provide service to the city of
Palmview, which would need a capacity of 2.5 million gallons a day. With that expansion, the city is looking at reusing the treated water to irrigate area parks and golf courses. Garza said the city also is approaching Royal Technologies, which uses water to cool its machines, to see if the company wants to use the recycled water. Other projects include opening two soccer fields, constructing canopies at Bentsen Palm Park, purchasing new vehicles for police and renovating the old central fire station, which now houses troopers with the Department of Public Safety. “If you look at the history of Mission, you know the mayor concentrates on big projects that help the future and the return in the quality of life of the future population growth of the city of Mission,” Garza said.
A
opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
USTIN — When the 84th Texas Legislature convenes on Jan. 13 and oaths of office are administered, the political party split will be 21 Republicans to 10 Democrats in the 31-member Senate, and 98 Republicans to 52 Democrats in the 150-member House. The composition and leadership of committees, the flow of legislation through those committees and control of floor debate will be according to the wishes of new Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick of Houston and House Speaker Joe Straus of San Antonio. Straus is subject to reelection by his peers. He is expected to retain the rostrum and gavel for a fourth consecutive term, even if challenged by a subgroup within the Republican party. Fort Worth attorney George P. Bush was sworn in as Texas land commissioner on Jan. 2. He succeeds Jerry Patterson at the post. Son of former Florida governor and possible 2016 presidential candidate Jeb Bush, nephew of former president and Texas governor George W. Bush and grandson of former president George H.W. Bush, George P. Bush is 38 years old and enters an elected office for the first time. Texans’ attention now refocuses on Austin as new leadership in state government takes shape in the coming days and weeks. To review, general election voters in November picked a broad slate of Republicans to replace Republicans, ostensibly to keep the philosophy about the same at the Capitol. At the top, 12-year attorney general Greg Abbott of Houston succeeds 14-year governor Rick Perry as the state’s chief executive. Ab-
bott’s successor as attorney general will be former state Sen. Ken Paxton of McKinney. After 11 years as lieutenant governor, David Dewhurst, a former Texas land commissioner, CIA member and Air Force officer — and continuing businessman and cutting horse rider — will be succeeded by Dan Patrick, a state senator since 2007 and a radio talk show host. Rice farmer and former state senator Glenn Hegar of Katy succeeds rancher-author-former state representative Susan Combs as state comptroller. Hegar took the oath on office in a Jan. 2 Senate Chamber ceremony. Ryan Sitton of Pasadena was elected to the three-seat state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry, the Texas Railroad Commission. Commissioner-elect Sitton last week stepped down as president and chief executive officer of his own oil and gas company, he said, to make sure citizens “are confident as I go to work for them.” Farmer-rancher and former state representative Sid Miller of Stephenville takes up the post of agriculture commissioner, assuming the position formerly held by farmer-rancher and former state senator Todd Staples. In special elections set for Jan. 6, state Reps. Trey Martinez-Fischer and Jose Menendez, both San Antonio Democrats, face off for the Senate District 26 seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte, who ran against Patrick for lieutenant governor and is now running for mayor of San Antonio. Six candidates are vying for San Antonio’s House District 123 seat long held by Rep. Mike Villarreal, who also is running for mayor of San Antonio. And,
there is a five-way race for the central Texas House District 17 seat vacated by Tim Kleinschmidt, who resigned from office in November to become general counsel for the Texas Department of Agriculture. Schools certify compliance Texas Education Agency on Dec. 18 announced that a majority of the state’s school districts and charters certified compliance with a state law requiring fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Under a law passed in 2007, employees — certified, non-certified and substitute teachers — must be fingerprinted before their first day of employment. In October, Texas Education Agency notified school superintendents asking them to certify that their district or charter school has complied with the state fingerprinting law and warned that failure to certify “may be subject to an investigation of the superintendent or chief operating officer who has violated state law by failing to complete the certification.” Wardens get helicopter Texas Game Wardens, a division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with more than 500 employees, on Dec. 23 announced the acquisition of a new Airbus AS350 B3e helicopter. The aircraft, according to the announcement, is outfitted with the latest law enforcement technology and emergency response equipment including a rescue hoist, thermal imager, searchlight, public address system, satellite communication and night vision. Some $5 million in funding for the helicopter came through an appropriation made during the 83rd Texas Legislative session in 2013.
January 9, 2015
page 4
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
What to know about Medicare in 2015
T
By Bob Moos
he New Year always brings a few changes to Medicare. Here’s a brief rundown of what to expect in 2015. The best news is that there are no changes in Medicare’s Part B premium and deductible. The standard premium for the part of Medicare that covers doctor visits and outpatient care will remain at $104.90 per month in 2015, just where it’s been for the last two years. That means more of your Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will stay in your pocket. A small number of people with Medicare – about 4 percent – pay surcharges on their Part B premiums because their annual incomes exceed $85,000. They, too, will see no increase in their premiums for physician visits and outpatient services. The Part B deductible for 2015 will also be the same as in 2014 -- $147. That’s what you pay out of pocket for doctor appointments and outpatient care at the beginning of each year before your Medicare coverage kicks in and helps to cover costs. You’ll get bigger discounts on your drugs in the “doughnut hole.” If you have a Medicare drug plan, the health care law is shrinking the coverage gap, or “doughnut hole,” and what you must pay out of pocket when you’re in it. For 2015, the gap begins once you and your drug plan together have spent $2,960. When you reach the doughnut hole, you’ll receive bigger discounts on your brand-name drugs – 55 percent in 2015, instead of 53 percent this past year –
and larger price breaks on your generics -- 35 percent in 2015, instead of 28 percent previously. The discounts will continue to grow, year by year, until 2020. If you’re dissatisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan, you can quit it beginning Jan. 1. If you’re unhappy with your private Medicare Advantage health plan, an annual “disenrollment” period allows you to return to the traditional fee-for-service Medicare program between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14. You can also pick a drug plan to go with your new coverage. A word of caution here: There are a few things you can’t do during the sixweek disenrollment period. You can’t switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Nor can you switch from the traditional Medicare program to an Advantage plan. Most people will need to wait until the annual enrollment period in the fall to make either of those changes. If you’re one of the few Medicare beneficiaries who pay a Part A premium, your monthly bill will shrink a little in 2015. Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice services and some home health care. Most beneficiaries, or their spouses, have worked long enough to qualify for premium-free Part A coverage. For the 1 percent who must pay, their monthly premium will drop from $426 to $407 in 2015. The Part A deductible that beneficiaries pay when admitted to the hospital will increase modestly – from $1,216 to $1,260. Once you meet your deductible, Medi-
care covers the full cost of your first 60 days in the hospital – there’s no co-payment. Medicare’s websites will make it easier for you to compare health care providers. Medicare’s “compare” websites – found at www. medicare.gov -- are good places to begin your research when looking for a nursing home, hospital, home health agency, dialysis facility or physician. This year, Medicare will make the websites even simpler to use. The nursing home compare and the physician compare websites already display star ratings and have proved especially popular with consumers. Similar star ratings will be added in 2015 to help you compare hospitals, home health agencies and dialysis facilities. You now have access to your personal health information through Medicare’s “blue button.” Having ready access to your Medicare claims data gives you a better understanding of your health information and greater control. It also makes it easier to share your medical history with your doctors, caregivers or anyone else you choose. Visit mymedicare.gov to use Medicare’s “blue button” today. You can download 12 to 36 months of claims information for Medicare Parts A and B and 12 months of claims information for Part D to your computer or mobile device. Make the most of your Medicare benefits by staying informed. Moos is Southwest public affairs officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Become a fan on Facebook and be notified of updates, the latest headlines and more.
www.ptrvg.com
1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2015
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
The Progress Times (USPS 971-420; ISSN 0890-2666) is published each Friday by Mission Publishing Co., 1217 N. Conway, Mission, Texas 78572, (956) 585-4893. Subscriptions $20 annual in Hidalgo County; $25 outside of Hidalgo County. Second class postage paid in Mission, Texas 78572. ©2015 Mission Publishing Company, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the PROGRESS TIMES, P.O. Box 399, Mission Texas 78573.
LETTER GUIDELINES
Letters to the Editor are welcome but must conform to certain guidelines. All letters must be original, dated, signed and bear the complete name, address and phone number of the writer/signer. No photo copied letters will be printed. No letters addressed to others will be printed. Letter content must be relevant to concerns and interests of Mission and the surrounding area. Relevance is determined by the editor. Anonymous cards or letters are neither read nor printed. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to letters@progresstimes.net, but must include the author’s name and daytime phone number.
January 9, 2015
page 5
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
EDUCATION ISSUES IN 2015 SESSION
L
By Lea Victoria Juarez egislative season has arrived, and education has been on the minds of many. For two months, members of the state House of Representatives and Senate have been pre-filing bills for the 84th Legislature, and at noon, Jan. 13, the Legislature will convene. More than 900 bills have been introduced so far with at least 185 related to public education. If any of those bills pass, school districts would see changes as soon as Aug. 31, if the bill does not go into effect immediately. Among the testing, retirement and evaluation-related bills, local school districts are keeping a close eye on funding for public education. In 2011, $5.4 billion were chopped from public
education, resulting in teacher rallies outside the Capitol for higher budgets. The Legislature responded by allowing school districts more cost-trimming flexibility. But Governor-elect Greg Abbott has said his primary concern while in office is public schooling, making educators optimistic for the legislative year. “Several bills have been introduced that are proposing to change the formula, none of which look encouraging for public schools,” said Sharyland Interim Superintendent Filomena Leo. “Abbott has said that public schools are a priority. We’re hoping that plays into reality when the Legislature starts dividing up the state’s share of funds, so we are able to get a little bit more.” The Association of Texas Professional Educators also
tracks the changes or potential changes that Texas education will undergo. ATPE is the largest independent educator association in the Texas and the U.S. ATPE Media Relations Specialist Stephanie Jacksis said they will be on the look out for changes to the state budget, but no bills have been filed yet. The association expects it will be filed well into the legislative session. There are already several proposed bills relating to school finance, and two of the most monitored are House Bill 125 and Senate Bill 244. An up-to-date study on the cost of education will be up for discussion under HB 125. The current cost of education, used to adjust state funding formulas to reflect regional cost variations,
hasn’t been updated in more than 20 years. Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, believes it’s time for a change. This will determine each district’s state aid for the 2016-2017 school year. Also on deck for funding is SB 244, which aims to eliminate the cost-of-education adjustment under the Foundation School Program. The FSP is the primary funding source for Texas Public Schools. In 2011, the 82nd legislature cut $4 billion from the FSP.
Other monitored topics include Rep. Sergio Muñoz’s bill that would restore funding to prekindergarten programs in response to the 2011 statewide budget cuts, which caused many districts to discontinue pre-k schooling. About $200 million in grant money was slashed and pre-k programs no longer had the money allotted to extend from half day to full day. Mission CISD Spokesperson Craig Verley said that Superintendent Ricardo Lo-
pez has expressed support of Muñoz’s bill. Other bills include starting school as early as the second week of August (HB 240), changes to the Safe Schools Act (SB 107) and a bill that would allow students to graduate even if they didn’t pass all mandatory state assessment tests (SB 149). Once the 2015 session opens, it will extend through June 1. The last day the governor can veto or pass a bill is June 21.
Peñitas welcomes new commission member
P
By Julie Silva
New DA makes introductions Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. introduced himself and Civil Division Chief Josephine “Josie” Ramirez at the first Hidalgo County Commissioners Court meeting of the new year, saying both he and the civil division chief are available to assist and work with the court. Rodriguez introduced key staff during his swearing in ceremony on Jan. 1. In addition to Ramirez in the civil division, they are: First Assistant Criminal DA Juanito Villescas, formerly a federal prosecutor; Chief Assistant Appellate Division Ted Hake; Chief Assistant Intake Division/Grand Jury Murray Moore; Chief Assistant Juvenile Division Judge Maxine Longoria, previously in private practice; Chief Assistant Family Justice and Victim Protection Division Hope Palacios; Chief Investigation Division/HIDTA Commander Joey Delgado, formerly with the McAllen Police Department; and Executive Assistant Cynthia A. Sepulveda, formerly with the county’s Adult Probation Department.
EÑITAS–City leaders here appointed Ramiro Loya Sr. to the vacant spot on the city commission. Palmview Mayor Jerry Perez swore Loya into the office Wednesday night. In October, former mayor Marcos Ochoa resigned from his seat to accept an appointment as the Pct. 3, Place 2 Hidalgo County justice of the peace. Then-Mayor Pro Tem Antonio “Tony” Flores
Jr. was promoted to mayor and Commissioner Tomas Cedillo was named mayor pro tem, leaving a vacancy on the commission. Flores said as he talked to residents about potential commission members, Loya’s name kept coming up in the conversation. “People have been telling me that he’s very involved in the community, the church, all kinds of organizations,” Flores said. “He’s been serving a few other ways. I fig-
ured he might enjoy serving on the council.” Loya said this isn’t his first time on the commission. He served from 1996-97, and said he has personal reasons for only serving the two years. “I don’t see anything wrong here in Peñitas,” Loya said. “Like they say in English, ‘If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.’ We need to work together and focus on growth.”
ALTON ed by the city of McAllen in May. But Arcaute said the complexes attract professionals, like Border Patrol agents and teachers. City leaders visited a site in Weslaco that has computer rooms, weight rooms and covered parking. “I would almost call them upscale. I think the folks that were protesting were thinking that they were going to get what we used to call a ‘housing project’ right next door,” Arcaute said. “I’m not trying to be catty, but I think when they see the product, I think they’re going to feel almost inferior.”
from pg 3
All of the projects on deck will dictate the city’s work pace, Arcaute said. He expects the addition of a full-service bank will aid development, and Peña said already several retail strips are in the works north of the new Junior’s Supermarket. A Star’s Drive-In is also expect-
ed to start construction this year. “The good news is we’re getting inquiries where before things were pretty quiet,” Arcaute said. “I’d say even at the beginning of this year, you could almost hear the crickets chirping, and now you can’t hear them anymore.”
ProgressTimes
Like Us on Facebook scan this code with your smartphone
lifestyle
B
GPZ offers Docent Council training
ROWNSVILLE – The Gladys Porter Zoo will conduct training for any adult interested in learning more about animals and zoo operations in preparation to become a volunteer at the Zoo. Training begins Jan. 13. Upon completion of this short training program, volunteers become docents and members of the Gladys Porter Zoo Docent Council. The GPZ Docent Council was established in 1971 for the purpose of providing trained volunteer assistance at all levels of Zoo operations. Each year, approximately a dozen new volunteers
join the docent council, with the total number of active docents averaging about 80 yearly. Docents go through an eight-week training course that covers such subjects as classification, taxonomy, zoo animal medicine, zoo geography and animal behavior. Once they complete the course, graduates are deemed qualified "ambassadors of the Zoo." Docents contribute to the Zoo in different ways. Some volunteers, for example, will work alongside keepers in the bird department and Patty Gorges Small World. They also operate the information booth, conduct tours, and
help with special events. Although docents are required to volunteer only 50 hours of their time at the Zoo throughout the year, each averages over 100 hours of volunteer service. Training sessions take place on designated Tuesdays and Thursdays in the evenings with some field training on selected Saturdays. Sessions will take place in the new South Texas Discovery Education Center located at the Zoo. For more information, contact the Education Department at educ@gpz.org or call 548-9453 by January 12.
This month’s program covers moving photos from the cell phone to computer and editing with image software such as Photoshop Elements and other programs. Discussion is planned on the possibility of forming and setting up meetings for a regular photography group. Potential highlights for the group include field trips, sharing photos and sharing photography knowledge. UVAL leadership is seeking input on adequate interest in workshops for the different styles of photography, such as portraiture, tabletop photos, composition, image processing and more. In preparation for the annual photography exhibit, set for Saturday, Feb. 14, assignments will be made for set-up, clean-up, etc. All UVAL members submitting items for the pho-
tography exhibit may submit three entries. One submission is guaranteed to be entered. The remaining submissions will be entered on a space available basis depending on the total number entered by all artists. All photos must be at UVAL by Wednesday, Feb. 11, for installation, and all pieces must have a wire for hanging to be exhibited. UVAL membership is open to the general public. Membership dues are $30 annually for individual membership and $50 for family membership. Call 583-2787 for information or stop by the UVAL gallery during regular hours to sign up. Volunteers are always welcomed.
UVAL adds new hours, preps for show
T
he Upper Valley Art League is making changes and members are preparing for their upcoming photography exhibit in February. Open painting hours in the Art Link annex expanded starting this week. It will now be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. This is in addition to the Wednesday and Friday morning painting sessions, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., are being held and will give artists more opportunity to paint, relax with their media and share experiences. It is open to artists of all painting modes. A general meeting will be held this Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Kika De La Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th in Mission.
ALICE
from pg 2
ly-friendly production where everyone can see a little bit of Alice themselves. Show times are 7 p.m. for Friday and Saturday night performances and 4 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets, available at the door, are $7 for general admission, $5 for ages 12 and under and $6 for seniors.
ELVIS FESTIVAL
from pg 2
years, appearing in parks and in special shows. Others are newly introducing their talents as Elvis tribute artists. Overall, it will be a walk down memory lane for Elvis Presley fans. For information call 233-5482.
January 9, 2015
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS
MHM opens Ninth Annual Mission Quilt Show Jan. 10
T
he Mission Historical Museum will open its Ninth Annual Quilt Show this Saturday, Jan. 10. The quilts will be displayed in the museum annex at 223 W. Tom Landry. It runs through Saturday, Feb. 7, and the awards reception takes place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6. Entries to be display represent six categories: hand-quilted bed quilts, machine-quilted bed quilts, mixed media which incorporates non-traditional materials, wall hangings, wearable art and miscellaneous – decorative or utilitarian items. A panel of independent judges will award ribbons awarded for first, second, and third places in each category. A Best-of-Show ribbon will also be awarded. Visitors to the museum will have an opportunity to vote for the quilt they like best for the Viewers’ Choice award. Special presentations on quilting techniques are planned on Thursday, Jan. 15, Jan. 22, and Feb 5. Call the museum at 580-8646 for details on the demonstrations planned for each date. The Mission Historical Museum is located at 900 Doherty in downtown Mission. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Nature Center expands hours and programs
M
cALLEN – The McAllen Nature Center will be now open to the public on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. until noon. Park admission and programs are free of charge. Formerly known as the McAllen Botanical Gardens, the 15-acre nature park is located at 4101 W. Business 83 between Bentsen and Ware Roads. Guided bird and nature walks led by a staff birder have begun this month and are offered weekly on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Binoculars are loaned free of charge during the
walks and during all open hours. The facility features a half mile of ADA accessible trails meandering through native thorn scrub forest. Tai Chi is offered every Saturday morning from 9 to 10 a.m., weather permitting. Ages 8 and up are invited to wear comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and bring a mat, water and sunscreen. Family programs on various nature topics will run on the fourth Saturday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The first of this series will be a Wildlife Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, Jan. 24. For more information, call 681-3333.
RGV Wood Carver’s Show set for Jan. 16-17
S
AN JUAN – The annual Rio Grande Valley Woodcarver’s Carving show will be held Friday, Jan. 16, and Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Cielo Banquet Hall, 1101 EFM 495 in San Juan. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day featuring exhibits by carvers, carving instructors, tool vendors and wood vendors. Admission is $3 per person or $5 for two. The show will exhibit 21 different categories of woodcarving with 70 tables
page 6
of exhibits. Of those, 150 carvings will be in the judging competition. Judging will take place before the doors open and ribbons will be awarded to winners in the different categories. Several demonstrations of carving techniques are planned throughout the event. There will be a lunch counter for those who wish to stroll leisurely through the exhibits and then enjoy a bite to eat before leaving.
See CARVER’S SHOW 7
Events Calendar
Jan uary 9-11 – The last days of the Sixth Annual “Vibrant Heritage” Mexican Artisan Expo with 80 artisans from various states in Mexico takes place at the McAllen Creative Incubator located at 601 N. Main, previously McAllen’s Main Library. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Jan uary 10 – Mission Spanish Aglow International will meet at Taco Ole, 2316 N. Conway in Mission, from 4 to 6 p.m. Marie Alfrao and Estela Villarreal will give a program on Bible study and the power of prayer. For more information, call Estela Villarreal, 655-1119; Liza Rayo, 7768505; or Connie Escamilla, 279-7887. Jan uary 10 – Learn about “Winter Raptors of the RGV” with Roy Rodriguez at the Edinburg World Birding Center at 10 a.m. The fee for this program is $2 for members and $4 for non-members. Space is limited; call 381-9922 to reserve a spot. The EWBC is located at 714 Raul Longoria Rd. Jan uary 13 – Mission Regional Medical Center provides a free monthly support group meeting for all breast cancer survivors and those still battling with the disease. It’s held at 6 p.m. in the meeting room at the hospital, 900 S. Bryan Road. Guest speaker is Dr. David Hernandez, OB/GYN. Jan uary 14 – The Upper Valley Home Owners Association meets at Twin Lakes RV Park, 301 N. Shary Road at 9 a.m. for discussions on tax issues. Owners of RVs and park models are invited. Jan uary 15 – Cliff Shackelford, state Ornithologist for Texas Parks & Wildlife, offers a humorous program on the best colloquial bird names of the year. He addresses curiosities such as, “What in the world is a “jug blower” or a “timberdoodle”? The program begins at 6 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center. The program fee is $3 per person, and no advance reservation is required. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset in McAllen. For more information, call 681-3370. Jan uary 15 - Mission Regional Medical Center provides a free monthly support group meeting for people that have had a stroke, as well as their families. It begins at 3 p.m. in the hospital meeting room, 900 S. Bryan Rd. Guest speaker is Dr. Tajul Chowdhury, pain management specialist. Jan uary 16 – The Mission Computer Club will meet at 10 a.m. in the Speer Memorial Library Community Room. Focus is on Windows, but Mac, Linux and computer “gadgets” are also addressed. Demonstrations with question and answer time are part of each meeting. All levels of users are welcome to attend, and meetings are free. Contact Edna Morales at the library at 580-8478 for more information. Jan uary 16 – The Edinburg World Birding Center will host Luciano Guerra during his “Birding Texas Style” presentation at 6 p.m. Guerra, local photographer from Mission is currently with the National Butterfly Center, where he helps with groups as well as photographing any sightings. Admission is free. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6 p.m. Seats are limited; call 381-9922 to reserve a spot. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Jan uary 18 – The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) in collaboration with Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC), is gearing up for the upcoming 20th Annual Mission Community Health Fair at the Sharyland High School gym from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Free health screenings flu vaccines, pulmonary function tests and more will be offered, including master blood tests by MRMC to the first 500 people. A 12-hour food fast is recommended for those wishing to have blood screening tests performed. For more information about the event or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Paola Lopez at events@missionchamber.com or at 585-2727. To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.
Free Society News Announcements
Quinceanera, engagement, wedding, milestone anniversary* and milestone birthday** announcements are run FREE of charge in the Progress Times. The quinceanera, wedding, anniversary and birthday announcements should be submitted no later than two months after the event date. Engagement announcements must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the wedding date. Quinceanera and milestone birthday photos are upper body, single column of the individual only; no group shots. Engagement, wedding and anniversary photos of the couple are run two columns in size. For questions or to obtain the appropriate form to submit with a photo, send an email to communitynews@progresstimes.net, call the Progress Times at 5854893. Please include a contact name and phone number for all inquiries.
January 9, 2015
Attempts to Dupe Immigration Agents on the Rise By Julián Aguilar The Texas Tribune
E Work on Conway Streetscape wrapping up
C
By Julie Silva ontractors are working to finish up the Conway Streetscape project before the Parade of Oranges, slated for Jan. 31. The project originally was scheduled to finish in November, but weather delays have pushed the completion date back. The $2.5 million initiative reconstructed sidewalks from First to 14th Streets with pavers and placed benches, planters and palm trees along Conway. “If you look at the 14 blocks, every block is commercial, mom and pops, local businesses. I think the city and the contractor have done an excellent job when it comes to traffic control,” said Mission City Manager Martin Garza. “One of our priorities was making sure that the businesses wouldn’t close down during construction.” The city is working to ensure the sidewalk meets
page 7
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
the regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Garza said. While the project is unfinished, a block of dirt surrounds the newly planted palm trees, but that block will be covered with a grate, which counts into the measurements for compliance with ADA. Currently, there are two places that will have to be reworked to accommodate those with disabilities, Garza said. “It was a challenging construction when it comes to ADA; however, at the end of construction, it’s going to be completely ADA compliant,” Garza said. Mostly pending now are the light posts from AEP from the 900 block on up to 14th Street, Garza said, adding that Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas has received several phone calls about how nice south end of the project looks.
See STREETSCAPE 10
L PASO — Hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants gamble their fate with human smugglers or deadly rides atop freight trains to enter Texas. Tens of thousands of others instead try a more brazen approach: handing fake documents to federal agents at ports of entry. The number of people turned away or detained at Texas ports — what the Department of Homeland Security calls “inadmissibles” — increased by about 25 percent during the government’s 2014 fiscal year, according to statistics. Most were denied entry after presenting false or stolen documents.
CARVER’S SHOW
RGV Carvers meet weekly from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursdays, October through March. at Nomad Shrine Club, 1044 West Nolana Loop in Pharr. These meeting provide information about supplies, woodcarving tools and books and provide help in carving and finishing, tool sharpening and blank preparation. They offer opportunities for fellowship with other wood carvers and an opportunity to exhibit works that are completed. The association has tools and how-to videos that teach wood carving techniques. After three visits, guests are asked to join. Membership is $10 per year for carvers and spouses.
Customs and Border Protection agents working the Laredo field office, which includes the ports from Del Rio to Brownsville, found about 39,000 would-be crossers inadmissible, up from about 31,800 during the 2013 fiscal year. The El Paso field office, which extends from the Big Bend area to El Paso and through New Mexico, reported about 10,170 inadmissibles, up from the previous year’s 7,855. Illegal crossers caught between the ports of entry have a slight chance at staying in the country by claiming asylum. But those caught presenting false documents, or trying to use someone else's, at a port might never be able to gain legal access to the country, even through marfrom pg 6
The annual Rally on the Rio will take place at Cielo Banquet Center Monday, Jan. 19 through Saturday, Jan. 24. Classes start at 8 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. each day. The Rally features a variety of carving, pyrography and painting classes led by nationally known instructors. The Rally is open to all carvers from beginners to experienced. George and Charlotte Vaughn of The Tool Box will have a large supply of carving tools available at reasonable prices. George will also sharpen tools for the carvers. For more information, call Fred Stenman at 320253-2132 or Jim Crawford at 583-3734.
riage or sponsorship, said Dan Kowalski, an immigration attorney and editor of Bender’s Immigration Bulletin, an immigration newsletter. “You could almost say it’s a permanent bar,” he said. A person banned for presenting false papers must acquire a waiver for readmission into the country, which Kowalski said is an uphill battle.
When apprehensions of immigrants sneaking across the border drop, CBP officials often claim that indicates fewer people are attempting illegal entry. But immigration officials said the inverse — that the increase in inadmissibles reflects more people faking their way through — isn't necessarily true. It means that CBP offi-
See IMMIGRATION 10
January 9, 2015
page 8
Pioneer looks to compete in district despite ‘underdog’ moniker U By Ed Salas
nlike their female counterpart, the inaugural Sharyland Pioneer boys basketball program was bolstered by four seniors, two with previous varsity experience, for its first season this year that has allowed the Diamondbacks to be competitive from the outset. With a 12-10 overall record and a 0-2 mark in District 31-5A play after Tuesday’s 50-42 loss to Mission Veterans Memorial, the Diamondbacks are still in good position to compete for a playoff spot in their first year of existence. “We’re hoping to compete against everybody else,” said Pioneer first-year head coach René González. “It’s a tough district and there’s some good teams. We’re going to try and make the playoffs.” To help get the Diamondbacks to the postseason, Pioneer’s four seniors will play a big role. Leading the charge are Zack Ramón and Dalton Curtis along with Bobby Welch and Alvin Carr. All four played for González last season at Sharyland when he took over for head coach David Keith, who became ill. González was Keith’s assistant for seven years before taking the head coaching position at Pioneer this season. “We believe a lot of people consider us an underdog or don’t even consider us at all
to win these games,” Ramón said. “We’ve lost a couple of tight ones that could’ve gone either way. We’ve had them at times, it’s just some misfortunes down the stretch. We’re a young team and we’re still learning how to finish games, but I believe that we can still come back and shock some people. It’s not over yet. We’ve dropped the first two, but this team is strong-willed and we’re not going to go down easy.” Despite the recent loss to Mission Veterans, the Diamondbacks showed resilience in outscoring the Patriots 15-13 in their failed comeback bid during the final quarter of play. In the district opener on Jan. 2, Pioneer fell short against Edinburg Vela 76-70. “They all play good defense and they complement each other,” González said. “That’s one thing I’ve preached about, looking for each other and helping each other on the court. We’re trying to be a family-oriented team, brothers taking care of brothers. They hang out with each other off the court so team unity is the main thing.” Pioneer’s unity has also helped them come together as a team and begin to create a style of play unique to the Diamondbacks, although they still have a way to go. “The team’s style is a work in progress,” González said. “I’m still trying to get these guys to buy into our
philosophy which is to read defenses and make plays. The game has evolved to more guard-oriented offenses and trying to get to the paint, and make others around you better.” However, since the beginning of the season, the Diamondbacks are a changed team. “We’ve improved drastically,” Ramón said. “We not only have come together chemistry-wise, but skillwise too. We’ve come a long way.” Pioneer’s road in district won’t get any smoother. The Diamondbacks host district and sister-school rival Sharyland on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The game will not only pit former players against each other, but it will match up apprentice against mentor when González and Keith reunite on opposite sides of the court. “I’m looking forward to it and I think coach Keith is too,” González said. “I was his assistant for seven years and we’re great friends off the court. Of course, he’s a competitor like I am and we’ll see what happens on Friday.” RIGHT: Diamondback Dalton Curtis (#33) tries to block the shot of Patriot post Adam Solis (#22) during Veterans Memorial’s 50 to 42 win over Pioneer Tuesday night. Progress Times photo by Doug Young
Lady Diamondbacks laying foundation for future success
S
By Ed Salas
Pioneer’s Amanda Alvarado (dark uniform) battles with Veterans Memorial’s Rosa Silva (light uniform) during the Lady Patriot’s 47-16 win Tuesday night. Progress Times photo by Doug Young
haryland Pioneer’s latest District 31-5A loss to Mission Veterans Memorial on Tuesday didn’t keep the Lady Diamondbacks from walking off the court in good spirits and knowing that they did all they could to avoid falling to the Lady Patriots. The loss was Pioneer first-year girls basketball program’s third in four district games this season and 21st overall. “We’re struggling a little bit, but I’m sure by the end of the season we’ll get better,” senior post Amanda Alvarado said. “We want to get better as a team and closer as a group, and work together to be a good basketball program.” A first-year program in any sport isn’t an easy task to undertake and it’s one that’s almost always certain to struggle during the first few seasons. “We’re definitely a work in progress,” Pioneer head coach Nicole Villarreal said. “We’re getting better every time. We’re very young in regard to experience. The girls
have taken on their roles and they’re on the same page in regard to wanting us to get better.” “There’s a lot of teaching going on every day,” added Villarreal. “One of the hardest things to do is to keep kids when you’re not winning, and that’s definitely one of my challenges. As long as the girls understand where we’re headed it makes it a little easier.” Villarreal’s squad does understand and player attitude isn’t a problem as the Lady Diamondbacks displayed when they walked off the court at Mission Veterans. Instead, two of Villarreal’s biggest challenges this season has been injuries and a lack of offense. “We’re not a complete squad because we have some injuries and our starting lineup has been changing lately,” Villarreal said. “Because of injury, a lot of kids on the bench that weren’t getting minutes are getting minutes now.” Pioneer recently played in a tournament over the holidays with eight players and finished with six. “We grew because of that
adversity and at the end of the game when we’re in the locker room there are still smiles on their faces because they did their best with what they had,” Villarreal said. “They played their butts off, they did what they could and I couldn’t ask for anything more of them. They are just a great bunch of kids.” Offensively, the Lady Diamondbacks are averaging slightly over 20 points per game. Alvarado is the squad’s offensive leader and defense has been a concerted team effort. Pioneer’s learning curve this year is big, and with good reason. The Lady Diamondbacks began the season with no varsity experience on their squad. All their players came from Sharyland’s freshmen and junior varsity teams. Alvarado, sophomore guard Ashley Briseño and junior guard Melissa De León have been Pioneer’s most consistent players this season. “There’s a lot of teaching going on,” Villarreal explained. “We’ve met up with teams that have pressed us, played us in a zone, and we’ve
had to find a way to score. I think we’ve seen everything that comes with the game of basketball. Finding the basket will come with time, we just have to continue to drill it and work it, and keep on working as the season progresses and into the offseason.” Despite Pioneer’s overall 3-21 record, the district season is still young and the Lady Diamondbacks (1-3 district) can be competitive. “We’re looking to be competitive every step of the way,” Villarreal said. “We’re preparing the kids for every game. We’ve done our scouting and we know what every team does, and we’re going to continue to teach, to work so that we can compete.” “Our district is tough and the kids know it, but at the end of the day if we know that we did what we could do with what we had, that’s all we can ask of them,” she concluded. “We can’t ask them to go above and beyond their skill level and do something that we can’t do at this point. It’s going to happen down the road.” Pioneer hosts sister school and district rival Sharyland at 6 p.m. on Friday.
January 9, 2015
obituaries
M
Maria Agripina Carranza ISSION - Maria Agripina Carranza, 79, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center. Suvivors include her son, Agustin Gonzalez Carranza; daughters, Maria Isabel Silvas and Silvia Montoya; 11 siblings; and 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Maria Christina Reyes, and sisters, Josefina Gonzalez Rendon and Guadalupe Gonzalez. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 7 at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Sandra Alicia Salinas Garcia ISSION - Sandra Alicia Salinas Garcia, 38, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, in Peñitas. Survivors include her mother, Juanita Salinas Perry; children, Samuel, Samantha and Joel Garza and Daniel Salinas; sister, Synthia Salinas; maternal grandmother, Aurora Munoz; paternal grandmother, Jacinta Salinas. She was preceded in death by her father, Juan Salinas, and daughter Aleecha Chantel Garcia. A funeral service was held on Jan. 4 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Maria Jimenez ISSION - Maria Jimenez, 68, passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Survivors include her children, Michael Jimenez and Marlene Garcia Sauceda; father, Deacon Ismael Garcia Sr.; sisters, Olga Salazar, Sara Garcia, Irma Perez, Carolina Perez and Frances Garcia; and four grandchildren. A funeral service was held on Jan. 6 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Serving as pallbearers were Mike Garcia Sr., Ray-
M
M
mond Perez, Steven Alaniz, Albert Salazar, Mario Bazaldua and Matt Molina. Juana Peña-De La Garza ISSION - Juana Peña-De La Garza passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at her home in Mission. Mrs. Peña - De La Garza was born in Reynosa, Diaz, Mexico and lived in Mission most of her life. Survivors include her children, Imelda Garcia, Norma Villarreal, Sergio Peña, Yolanda Pietropaolo, Odon Peña, Sylvia Arroyo, Genaro Peña and Alberto Peña, and 34 grandchildren and 69 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Odon Peña Sr.; parents, Apolonio De La Garza and Guadalupe Garza; sisters, Maria Carmona, Dominga Garza and Julia Garza. A funeral service was held on Jan. 9 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.
M
Notices
Erika Torres Aguillon MISSION - Erika Torres Aguillon, 29, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, in Mission. A funeral service was held on Jan. 8 at Virgil Wilson Mortuary in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview. José Trinidad Canchola ALTON - Jose Trinidad Canchola, 82, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at his home in Alton. Esteher Lopez Cardoso LA JOYA - Esteher Lopez Cardoso, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at her home in La Joya. Maria Del Carmen Cavazos SULLIVAN CITY - Maria Del Carmen Cavazos, 69, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at her home. A funeral service was held on Jan. 6 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Sullivan City Cemetery. Elva De Olivarez MISSION - Elva De Olivarez, 78, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at Lifecare Hospital in McAllen.
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Delia V. Martinez ISSION – Delia V. Martinez, 85, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, in McAllen. She was member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission. Survivors include her children, Arturo Villarreal, Manuel Martinez Jr., Oralia Herrera Sr., Cristina Cantu, Eduardo Martinez and Oscar Martinez, all from Mission; sister, Anita Romo of Lyford; and 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Martinez Sr. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, from 1 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial will follow at Valley Me-
M
Manuela Zavala de Rios MISSION - Manuela Zavala de Rios, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 3, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church of Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Mission. Angel Delgado MISSION - Angel Delgado passed away on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, at his home in Mission. Florence Fabian MISSION - Florence Fabian, 81, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Aurelio Galavíz PALMHURST - Aurelio Galavíz, 79, passed away on Thursday, Jan 1, 2015, at his home. Marciana Garcia MISSION - Marciana Garcia, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A graveside service was held on Jan. 8 at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.
morial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen. José Angel Pitones ISSION – José Angel Pitones, 73, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, at his home in Mission. Mr. Pitones was born on Dec. 25, 1941, in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico to Juan Pitones and Concepcion Delgado. Survivors include his son, Jose Angel Pitones Jr.; daughters, Magdalena Garza and Sandra Garza; sisters, Juanita Longoria, Concepcion Cantu, Julia Reyes, Paula Hinojosa and Rita Perez; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 7 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission. Pallbearers were Jose Angel Pitones Jr., Matthew Garza, Juan Alberto Perez, Gilberto Perez Jr., Roberto Longoria and Horacio Cantu
M
José Juan Garza MISSION – A graveside service for José Juan Garza was held on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Raul Guerra MISSION – A funeral service for Raul Guerra was held on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Madero. Burial followed Granjeno Cemetery. Esteban Gutierrez MISSION – A funeral mass for Esteban Gutierrez was held on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Guadalupe Hinojosa PEÑITAS - Guadalupe Hinojosa, 59, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at McAllen Medical Center. A graveside service was held on Jan. 2, 2015, at San José Cemetery in Mission. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Oscar Martinez MISSION - Oscar Martinez, 49, passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center.
Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Alberto Vasquez, Manuel Delgado and Horacio Cantu III. Sixto Reyna ISSION - Sixto Reyna, 55, a long-time resident of Streamwood, Ill., passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence. He was born on April 14, 1959, in Mission to Albino and Maria B. Reyna, and was a longtime resident of Streamwood, Ill. He is survived by his wife, Nelda S. Reyna, and siblings, Rosanelia Garcia, Maria Del Rosario Soriano and Clementina Reyna. He was preceded in death by his brother, Rene, and his parents. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Granjeno. Burial will follow at Granjeno Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be David Garcia, Roger Ramirez, Isaac Guajardo,
M
Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg. Jesus Maria Navarro MISSION - Jesus Maria Navarro, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at his home in Mission. Guadalupe Ortiz MISSION - Guadalupe Ortiz, 60, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at his home in Mission. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. José Palomo MISSION - Cremation for José Palomo took place on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna. Arrangements were under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg. Adriana Quiroz MISSION - Adriana Quiroz, 56, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at her home in Mission. Mary A. Taylor MISSION - Mary A. Taylor, 80, passed away on Tues-
page 9
Gilberto Sanchez Jr., Gilberto Sanchez III and Alfonso Reyna. Rafael Valdez Sr. ISSION - Rafael Valdez Sr., 90, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, at his home in Mission. He was born at El Javalin Ranch in Hidalgo County on April 19, 1924. Survivors include his wife, Emilia Valdez; children, Rafael Valdez Jr., Isabel Flores, David Valdez, Luis Valdez, Ana Escobar, Jaime Valdez, Marisela Castillo, Leticia Dehoyos and Daniel Valdez; sisters, Margarita Solis, Emma Valdez, Reyes Casarez, Estela Sanchez and Irma Valdez; and 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Santos and Guadalupe Valdez, and sister, Olga Espinosa. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 5 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.
M
day, Jan. 6, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Delsa Maria Valles MISSION - Delsa Maria Valles, 76, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at her home in Mission. Rafael Valdez MISSION – A funeral mass for Rafael Valdez was held on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Eduardo Valencia MISSION – A funeral service for Eduardo Valencia was held on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Jesus Villalobos PALMVIEW – Jesus Villalobos, 78, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, from 2 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary at Lord and I Funeral Home in Peñitas.
ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 4501 N. McColl. - McAllen CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 29th & Dove - McAllen 618-0884 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Mi. N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1300 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665
NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. Mission • 735-2569
ROAD TO SALVATION ASSEMBLY OF GOD 239 W. 2nd St. - La Joya 1312 Oblate • 585-3261
OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223
SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH
3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno 279-4159
Mission • 580-4551
THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA LIVES HERE AT
SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002
THE SPIRIT THAT CONQUERS SIN AND DEATH! CELEBRATE LIFE & LOVE WITH US
IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688
OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission • 279-4159
ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325
IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623
IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332
OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193
ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005
IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst
PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203
SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078
FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 4122 N. Conway • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008
IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898
PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711
LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787
PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 St. Marie. • 585-8651
MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683
PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307
NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 585-4122
RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838
NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. 3 Mile Line • 585-0146
ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701
Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”
915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433
KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA
ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA NEAL KING (retired) DARRELL DAVIS ESMERALDA GARCIA (retired) 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622
MISSION
THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNkLY, VALENTINE, NEWLY, BENDITO & FRITZ)
TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway • 581-4981 or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya THE DOOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
810 E. Veterans & La Homa Suite F.
Palmview Crossing Plaza 212-1594/424-1984
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3701W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 WEST MISSION LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP Pleasant Valley Ranch 7320 W. Exp. 83 • Mission 583-7667 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200
MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA
ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH
IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618
PADRES OBLATOS
THE MISSIONARY CATECHIST OF THE POOR: SR. LUPITA THE SISTERS OF ST. DOROTHY: SR. CINDY, SR. COLLEEN DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA †DEACON AYALA, DEACON CASTANEDA
THE LOVE OF GOD OUR FATHER EMBRACES US IN CHRIST. WE ARE BAPTIZED IN THE LOVE OF CHRIST. WE CAN ALSO SAY HE WAS BAPTIZED IN US. “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions). Saturday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30 A.M. Sunday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 A.M. Sunday (English) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass . . . .(Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:30 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex)6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00 P.M.
CONFESSIONS
Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 P.M. Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3:00 P.M.
620 DUNLAP, MISSION, TX • 585-2623 ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST.)
page 10
IMMIGRATION
January 9, 2015
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
cers are getting better at detecting false documents, they say. “We’re just doing a better job; they just get better at what they do,” said Frank Longoria, the Laredo field office’s acting assistant director for field operations. “That’s the way we would like to look at it.” Changes to passports and
other visas are also helping. “With the new technology and biometrics, we are seeing fewer counterfeits, but there are still lots of people trying to be impostors,” said Roger Maier, a CBP spokesman in El Paso. “A lot of it comes down to officer expertise and training. They are trained on what to look for regarding certain facial
features that are consistent throughout your life.” The increase in attempts to fool trained customs agents could be a result of increased manpower on the country’s southern border that has made it harder for people to sneak across the Rio Grande. Since 2001, the number of Border Patrol agents on the southwest border has dou-
from pg 7
bled to about 18,100. Over the summer, state officials deployed hundreds of Texas Department of Public Safety officers and Texas National Guard units in response to the massive influx of undocumented immigrants from Central America. Kowalski said the buildup could be a reason for the increase at the ports, but he also said the statistics should be viewed with some skepticism. “It’s also possible that it’s due to differences in record keeping,” Kowalski said. “Before a certain date, the agents in the field didn’t keep very detailed records or mark everything down, so the numbers appeared to be low even though they came across a lot of people. We’ll never know. I don’t trust CBP’s numbers about anything.” For years, the Obama administration has been accused of inflating statistics to appear tough on illegal immigration. In October, the administration touted another record-breaking total for deportations, saying more than 438,000 people were deported in 2013. Numbers USA, a grassroots organization that advocates for limits on immigration levels, said in 2013 that the administration had inflated deportation statistics by more than 100,000 by “counting certain ‘returns’ as ‘removals’ in order to artificially inflate the numbers and create a 'record level' of deportations.”
STREETSCAPE from pg 7
theclassifieds buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
The splash pad at First Street is semi-complete, Garza said, and the city is working on beautification of the rest of the park as a separate project. The beautification portion includes two basketball courts, a parking lot, irrigation and a walking trail through the three blocks that comprise the park. Plus, a $150,000 grant from the Freedom Fund is paying for a new sidewalk with benches and lighting across the three blocks. Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
H-E-B issues voluntary recall for single-serving soups
S
AN ANTONIO – H-E-B has issued a voluntary and precautionary recall for H-E-B Single Serving Tortilla Soup and H-E-B Single Serving Poblano Corn Chowder due to undeclared peanut allergens in seasoning provided by Southern Style Spices. There have been no reported illnesses related to this precautionary recall. H-E-B was notified of this issue Jan. 5 by the vendor Southern Style Spices that one of the spice blend ingredient components used in the products had tested positive for peanut residue. This spice blend is added only to the H-E-B Tortilla Soup and the H-E-B Poblano Corn Chowder. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. There have been no consumer complaints or reports of allergic reactions at this time. H-E-B is asking customers at risk
for peanut allergies that may have purchased one of these products to return it to their H-E-B store for a full refund. The affected products include: • H-E-B Single Serving Tortilla Soup – prepackaged in 8 ounce and 16 ounce sizes, purchased on or before 1/6/2015 • H-E-B Single Serving Poblano Corn Chowder – prepackaged in 8 ounce and 16 ounce sizes, purchased on or before 1/6/2015 • All H-E-B Tortilla Soup and H-E-B Poblano Corn Chowder soup purchased from the hot soup kettle at the Deli/Prepared Foods Counter – purchased on or before 1/6/2015 Any product purchased on or before the dates listed above should be returned to any H-E-B store for a full refund. Customers with concerns or questions may contact H-E-B Customer Relations at 210-938-8357 or 1-800-432-3113 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The deadline is Jan. 11 to submit an application as a nominee for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award and a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Award categories include teachers, principals, school districts, early childhood facilities and public school boards. Last year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education gave out more than $800,000 in cash prizes, gift cards and grants. Since its inception in 2002, the awards program has awarded nearly $7.5 million to Texas educators, schools and districts. H-E-B asks customers, employees and community members to nominate teachers, principals, districts, early childhood facilities and school boards in Texas. Each nominee is sent an invitation
to complete an application online and is asked about their professional experiences, educational philosophies and achievements both in and out of the classroom. The application at www. heb.com/education asks nominees to provide written responses about education philosophy, learning experiences, and insights on issues facing educators in Texas. The complete list of award categories and the amounts for each award can be found on the website. A team of judges reviews the applications, narrowing the field to semi-finalists. From that pool, five regional judging panels comprised of former winners, administrators, and university and community leaders not affiliated with H-E-B select 40 teacher and principal finalists.
Deadline nears for Excellence in Education award
Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.
ORDINANCE NO. 2014-19 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALMVIEW, TEXAS FOR THE ANNEXATION OF 1,658.7 ACRES MORE OR LESS, SAID ACREAGE LYING ADJACENT TO AND ADJOINING THE PRESENT BOUNDARY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF PALMVIEW, TEXAS DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN TRACT I, II AND III. READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, this the 16th day of December, 2014. Gerardo Perez, Mayor Attest: Bertha Garza, Interim City Secretary
theclassifieds January 9, 2015
buy • sell • trade • rent • hire
this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity
autos
2001 FORD 250 Dully Pickup, Diesel, 4dr, auto, air, $17,000, 956-4587283. MERCEDES BENZ 1927, 1985 Chevy Engine 14300ML red good condition, 956-230-4500, antique plate, $7,500.
fifthwheels
2008 MOBILE SUITE, 36RSSB3 41K, 3 slides, washer, dryer, excellent condition, see photos on Craig’s list, Mission, Tx, 956342-0967. 2004 HITCHHIKER II LS, 34.5 feet, three slides, easy glide hitch, loaded, exceptional condition, $21,500, 913788-0982.
2006 MONTANA 37’4” 5th wheel, 4 slides, 2 a/c, king bed, central vac, convection/microwave, 2 new tv’s, fireplace, rent paid till April 01, 2015, many more new extras. New Inglis washing machine, hooked up in 8X12 shed, must be seen at 1015 RV Park Site #136, Weslaco, 956-973-1594. 2004 HITCHHIKER PREMIER M-35RLTG fifth wheel, 3 slides, no pet or smoking, excellent in and out, must see, asking $19,900, 785-7411678. 2007 36’ SELECT Suite RK3, 3 slides, 2 air con, fireplace, propane generator, thermo windows,
cherry wood interior, lots of extras, $28,500 or best offer, 479-253-1527. 2011 39FT MONTANA, 5th Wheel, 5 slides, king bed, double frig, 2a/c’s, fireplace, 2 tv’s, 731-707-0155. JAYCO 277 1998, very good condition, many new upgrades, new tires plus more, 269-355-0946 or 616-212-3616.
Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words
25¢ each additional word thereafter
helpwanted
NOW HIRING FOR window tinter/installer. Apply in person at Ace’s Audio Alarm & Tint, 956-5855504. PART TIME & FULL time servers, bar tenders and kitchen helpers needed, Riverside Club 214 E. Chimney Road, Mission, call 956581-1033 ask for Jennifer.
miscellaneous
SHARI’S BERRIES - ORDER Mouthwatering Gifts for Any Occasion! SAVE 20 percent on qualifying gifts over $29! Fresh dipped Berries starting at $ 19.99! Visit www.berries.com/ easy or Call 1-888919-1668! DISH TV RETAILER. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Mission CISD will hold a public hearing for discussion of the 2013-2014 report, known as the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. The hearing will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the Mission CISD Central Office Boardroom, 1201 Bryce Drive, Mission Texas. The TAPR is published annually and details district and campus performance. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of PERRY ZIMMERMAN, Deceased, were issued on December 17, 2014, in Cause No. P-36,581, pending in the Probate Court Of Hidalgo County, Texas, to: CHERYL HOWELL. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. CHERYL HOWELL c/o: LOUIS C. BROWN Attorney at Law 1207 Conway Mission, TX 78572 DATED the 31st day of December, 2014. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of MARCELLA A. BARR, Deceased, were issued on December 17, 2014, in Cause No. P-36,550, pending in the Probate Court Of Hidalgo County, Texas, to: DIANE CARR. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DIANE M. CARR c/o: LOUIS C. BROWN Attorney at Law 1207 Conway Mission, TX 78572 DATED the 31st day of December, 2014. EscalEra WrEckEr Inc. 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 Fax: 581-6668 Tdlr VsF lIc. no. 0548371
956 ToWIng & rEcoVEry llc 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax 581-6668 Tdlr VsF lIc. no. 0640957
MIssIon ToWIng Inc. 1515 W. 3 MIlE rd. MIssIon, TExas 78573 (956) 585-8245 • Fax: 581-6668 Tdlr VsF lIc. no. 0551944
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISION CONTAINED IN RULE 85.703. SUBCHAPTER F, FROM CHAPTER 85, PART 4 OF TITLE 16 IN THE TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, WE ARE OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING YOU THAT THE BELOW DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLES HELD IN OUR CUSTODY ARE TO BE PICKED UP, REMOVED AND ALL CHARGES PAID WITHIN (45) DAYS OR THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DECLARED ABANDONED ACCORDING TO TEXAS LAW. YEAR 2011 2011 2008 2008
MAKE BMW AUDI CHEVY MERCURY
page 11
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
MODEL
VIN# X5 WBAZV4100BL451328 Q7 WAUAGD4L1BD029902 SUBURBAN 3GNFC16JX8G285568 GRAND MARQUIS 2MEHM75V18X611137
BALANCE $506.00 $712.00 $711.00 $595.00
TOTAL CHARGES CANNOT BE COMPUTED UNTIL VEHICLE IS CLAIMED. STORAGE CHARGES WILL ACCRUE DAILY UNTIL VEHICLE IS RELEASED.
Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Speed Internet starting at $14.95/ month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now!
1-800-346-2186.
services
NEED A MAID? Cleaning and cooking services - bilin-
gual - affordable rates. Call Carolina 956-827-1853 or 956-683-6243.
page 12
January 9, 2015
www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com
Veterans Memorial High School baseball player Edward Pena recently signed a letter of intent to play ball for UT-Pan Am. Edward was named Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, 1st Team All-State two times, District Pitcher of the Year as a sophomore and District Offensive MVP as a junior. Pictured in front are: Sandy Pena, mother; Edward Pena and Judge Horacio Pena, father. Standing are, from left to right: Caleb Smith, assistant coach; Jose Rios, assistant principal; Marc Pena, brother; William Pena, brother; David Gilpin, athletic coordinator/head football coach; and Casey Smith, head baseball coach.
TUNBERG
she liked school and if she had any brothers and sister. Competing for Queen Citrianna was a natural progression. “I’ve had a long time to think about it and plan dresses,” Dina Tunberg said. “For us, it was all about the dress. For me, that’s what people come to see.” Over the years, Rachel said, participating in pageants has sharpened her verbal skills and she likes the focus on community service. In 2012, she competed for Miss Texas Teen USA, learning how to carry herself and feel comfortable on a stage. Still, she recognizes the Queen Citrianna contest is much different from a typical pageant – sixty percent of the girls’ scores comes from the interview. As Duchess of Palms, Rachel said it was a stretch to talk to judges about her product – palms –because they’re not really a product. She said she had to be creative and talk about how people recognize the Valley because of the palm trees. As Lady in Waiting, it was easier, she said, because she didn’t have a product. She was the last to interview, figured everyone was tired and went in joking with the judges. Since then, Rachel graduated in the top 5 percent of her class at Edinburg High
School and finished her first semester at the University of Texas-Pan American, where she made the Dean’s List. She’s in the pre-nursing program, and plans to use her career to fund her dream of one day performing on Broadway. Already, Rachel has gone with the Edinburg Ambassador Chorale to sing in Italy and France. She sang at the beach in Normandy, and she’s sung at Notre Dame. Rachel plans to go to New York after graduation. “That’s the big tenant of
ELECTION CONTEST
under federal investigation in his position as executive director of La Joya Housing Authority. “For them to claim that this one case is putting a cloud on their ability to govern is ridiculous. One of his clients has been raided by the feds twice already,” said Peña, adding that the two mailmen involved already have been fired and arrested by federal law enforcement officers. Peña said there’s also a video of Alaniz thanking a mailman for his efforts, but Hinojosa said the videos he saw involved other people, and the footage involving his clients don’t say anything incriminating. Dorsey pointed to a similar election contest two years
from pg 1
pageants: If you can dream it, you can do it,” Dina Tunberg said. “They’re so positive.” As the Royal Coronation nears, Rachel’s excited about her dress, which she said is unique with its ruffles. Dina Tunberg said the dress has to fit Rachel for a year as she goes on the parade circuit in San Antonio, Laredo and Corpus Christi. “I want her to be visible,” Dina Tunberg said. “I want her to be remembered as one of the best.” from pg 1
ago after a La Joya ISD election in which improper voter assistance was alleged. He ruled against the contestants, he told Peña. As for the mailin ballot allegations, the judge emphasized the election contest does not list any numbers or state how many votes should be thrown out. However, the judge did agree to allow Peña to add the man alleged to have improperly assisted voters as a witness in the Wednesday trial after originally denying the request. Peña believes Jose Gilberto Ruiz went with teachers at the polling site to the voting machines, pulled out a piece of paper with a list of the Team Liberty candidates, and said, “You need to vote for your bosses.”