January 16, 2015 - Progress Times Issue

Friday, January 16, 2015

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Judge denies testimony in La Joya ISD election contest

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By Julie Silva key witness was barred from testifying during the first day of La Joya ISD’s election contest Wednesday despite repeated requests from the attorney who filed the lawsuit.

Attorney Javier Peña represents The Diamond Pack – which includes Victoria Cantu, Irma Linda Villarreal-Veloz and Fernando Torres. In the 2014 election, the three candidates lost to three incumbents on La Joya Independent School District’s school board, dubbed Team Liberty – Johnn Alaniz, Juan Jose “J.J.” Garza and Juan Jose “J.J.” Peña.

The election contest, filed days after the Novem-

ber election, alleges a politiquera, on behalf of Team Liberty 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 Team Liberty headquarters. The lawsuit also alleges voters were improperly assisted at the polling locations.

After opening statements, Javier Peña asked to put Yolanda Hidrogo on the stand, but Gilberto Hinojosa, representing Team Liberty, objected, stating he wasn’t given Hidrogo’s address prior to the hearing, so he couldn’t talk to the witness

78th Texas Citrus Fiesta “Old Time Rock & Roll” 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.

prior to Wednesday. Peña argued that Hidrogo was paid

by Team Liberty, so they should know how to find her.

“The reason the address is important is because I’m entitled to go find that witness and question that witness,” Hinojosa said.

Visiting judge J. Bonner Dorsey sided with Hinojosa, admonishing Peña for not providing the information.

But after a two-hour lunch break, Peña came back and asked to place Hidrogo on the stand once again, stating that her address was listed on a subpoena issued Tuesday, the day before the hearing. Dorsey again refused to allow Hidrogo to take the stand. For potential appeals purposes, Peña

asked to make a statement on Hidrogo’s connections to members of Team Liberty, which Dorsey allowed.

Hidrogo, Peña said, had multiple meetings with the Team Liberty candidates and witnessed interaction between the candidates and the mailmen, some of which she caught on audio and video recordings.

“She would also testify that she assisted voters improperly, taking mail-in ballots, turning in these mail-in ballots, filling out these mailin ballots – that she was paid for this in cash by the campaign that she was working on,” Peña said.

Now, Peña said, Hidrogo is working with federal agents in an investigation

into “how this corrupt system of manipulating the votes operates.”

The first witness to actually take the stand was Jose Gilberto Ruiz, who Peña said during a pre-trial hearing last week told an investigator working for Peña that Ruiz assisted school employees in the voting booth, telling them, “Vote for your bosses.”

Hinojosa also objected to Ruiz’s testimony, stating Peña also had not provided Ruiz’s address. Dorsey, who ruled that Peña could add Ruiz as a witness during the pretrial hearing last week, overruled the objection.

When Ruiz took the stand, he denied doing anything illegal, stating he assisted four or five voters who requested

help at La Joya’s youth center. Ruiz said he followed procedure, waiting outside while the voter asked election workers if they could get assistance from him.

Ruiz said he signed his name on voter logs as Jose Hernandez, however, because that’s his legal name.

He told the people he assisted the name of both candidates in all three races and did not tell them whom to vote for, Ruiz testified.

Peña pulled out printouts of a Facebook conversation between Ruiz and someone with the screenname Cruz A. Rios. In the conversation, Ruiz stated he gave voters pushcards for Team Liberty,

See ELECTION CONTEST 12

FROM MISHAPS TO MAGIC

Costume makers prep for competition

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By Lea Victoria Juarez

fter months of preparing, peeling and dehydrating, Rosalinda Olivarez had to redo her costume from scratch with less than a week until the Texas Citrus Festival Product Costume show.

The ensemble, which Olivarez decided would be a jukebox, must be covered entirely in earth-grown product. But the organic contents were destroyed because they mildewed.

“I started saving on Thanksgiving Day, that very

first orange we cut,” she said shaking her head. “It must have been about 30 or 40 oranges that we ate and I had to start all over.”

The 78th Texas Citrus Festival celebrates Old Time Rock & Roll for this year’s theme and participants in the Product Costume Fashion show Jan. 17 prepare yearround for the event.

Be it dried or fresh decorations, participants work tirelessly to put their garment together for the runway.

They peel, eat, grind, glue,

See PRODUCT COSTUMES 12

Participants look to the 1950s to fit the theme Old Time Rock & Roll for the 78th Texas Citrus Fiesta. Contestants in the Product Costume show must have their entire ensemble covered in local agricultural products. Citrus, palm, flowers and cotton are often used to coat the garment.

INSIDE

INDEX

Give me liberty or give me cupcakes

City of Alton on the grow

Pistokache joins Broncs basketball team

Newly elected Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announces amnesty for cupcakes in public schools as first order of business.

City commission oversees swearing in of two fire investigators as community gains its own fire marshal’s office.

The 2012 Sharyland High grad is one of two players on the roster to play high school basketball in the Valley.

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Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 6

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

entertainment

MHM remembers

Cleo Dawson in Jan. 30 special program M ISSION – The Mission Historical Museum presents “Mission Historical Icon: The Life of Dr. Cleo Dawson-Smith” on Friday, Jan. 30. The special program on the historical figure, Dawson, will be presented by the people who shared her life and friendship.

Dawson came to south Texas by covered wagon as a small child. With her family she helped to build a town beside the railroad where a trail from the Rio Grande crossed the track – a town newly-named Mission. This was back in the very early 1900s, before Mission was

incorporated into a city.

She was an author, well read and widely published.

The book, “She Came to the Valley,” was one of her most successful endeavors.

It was a tribute to her pioneer family's contribution to the growth of the lower Rio Grande Valley, which eventually became a movie. The true story dealt with the formation of the city of Mission, the border raids by Mexican bandits, the arrival of the United States soldiers, and her mother's life in what was truly a frontier town.

A special screening of the original film will be shown at the historic Border Theater,

Cleo Dawson rides in a horse-drawn carriage during the 1973 Texas Citrus Fiesta parade. Courtesy photo

905 N. Conway Ave. in Mission at 1 p.m. A reception and exhibit opening will follow at the Mission Historical Museum at 4 p.m.

Free tickets for the screening of the film will

be available at the museum starting Jan. 19. Registration is required to receive a ticket. For more information on the event, call the museum at 580-8646 or go online at missionmuseum.org.

Adelines seek harmonious members

ProgressTimes

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emales who love to sing harmony are invited to rehearsals with the Magic Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International on Monday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. The group meets at St. Mark Methodist Church, 301 W. Pecan (Pecan at 2nd St.) in McAllen.

The group sings A cappella, barbershop

style music. No previous music training is needed. Winter Texans and local residents are welcomed.

Magic Valley Chorus sings in performances across the Valley. For more information call Janet at 682-8245, Shirley at 661-9926, or go visit their website at magicvalleychorus.com.

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

January 16-17 · The annual Rio Grande Valley Woodcarver’s Carving Show will be held at the Cielo Banquet Hall, 1101 EFM 495 in San Juan, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

It features exhibits by carvers, carving instructors, tool vendors and wood vendors.

A lunch counter will be available. Admission is $3 per person or $5 for two. For more information, call Fred Stenman at 320-253-2132 or Jim Crawford at 583-3734.

January 16-18 · The Sharyland High School (SHS) Carpe Diem Players present “Alice in Wonderland” for two weekends. Show times are 7 p.m. for Friday and Saturday night performances and 4 p.m. matinees on Sundays. All performances will be held at the SHS auditorium, 1216 N. Shary Road, Mission. Tickets are $7 for general admission, $5 for ages 12 and under and $6 for seniors. · The All Valley RV & Outdoor Show will be much

larger and include all sorts of outdoor equipment instead of just focusing on RV’s this year. The show will be held at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Showgrounds in Mercedes.

The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. On Thursday and Friday admission is $5 per person. On Saturday and Sunday the price of admission will be $10 per carload, unless there is only one person in the vehicle.

Parking is free.

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 17 · The annual Elvis Festival at Little Graceland, 701 Ocean Blvd. in Los Fresnos, was cancelled last week and postponed to this week. The museum will be open from 10 to 11 a.m. Gate opens at 9:30 a.m. Performances by Elvis tribute artists will run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Admission is $8 for adults; kids 12 and under get in free.

For information call 2335482.

January 22 · Jammin’ on Jackson Street with Vance Greek will be held at the Railroad Crossing, 101 E. Jackson Street, Harlingen, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. · The Senior Ambassadors perform at Bentsen Grove RV Park in Mission at 7 p.m.

January 25 · Santa Maria Bullring, 4877 FM 1017 in La Gloria, presents bloodless bullfights featuring matadors Cesar Castaneda and Leal Montalvo at 4 p.m. · The Senior Ambassadors perform at First Presbyterian Church in Mission at 7 p.m.

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

See COMING ATTRACTIONS 5

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GIVE ME LIBERTY OR UTPA to host Reminiscing...

Ago GIVE ME CUPCAKES panel on 30 Years This Week Ag. commissioner declares pastry amnesty infectious diseases

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By Lea Victoria Juarez

tudents in Texas public schools have lived to see the day where their freedom is no longer upended thanks to newly elected Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller. They’ll be able to tell stories of the time Miller protected their rights – their cupcake rights.

As his first act in the agricultural commissioner position, Miller announced amnesty for cupcakes, making sure parents knew it was not illegal to bring the handheld treat and other snacks to their child’s school.

When the republican was sworn in Jan. 7 as the Texas Department of Agriculture’s 12th commissioner, he stated that water was his “No.1 issue” due to the four-year drought Texas has been going through.

But cupcake in hand, Miller stood at the podium of Monday’s news conference and reminded parents that the 2004 Texas Public Nutrition Policy that banned junk food from classrooms was repealed in July 2014. Since the repeal, schools have had jurisdiction over the food traffic at a local level.

“This is not about force-feeding cupcakes to our children,” the commissioner said in the Texas Tribune. “It is about local control.”

The 2005 Lauren Law states that neither the state of Texas, department of health nor any school district can prohibit parents or grandparents of a student from providing a food product of their choice to their child and classmates. This only applies to the child’s birthday or a school-designated function.

Even with the Lauren Law, also known as the Safe Cupcake Amendment, some Texas schools don’t allow parents to give away snacks during school hours, such as with Frisco ISD in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

La Joya ISD’s snack policy varies from campus to campus according to district spokesman Eden Ramirez.

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While some campuses are more lenient, their general district policy is that a student’s parent cannot bring food to anyone other than their child. By the same token, a student cannot share any snacks they, themselves, bring to school.

“The exception to that is when there is birthday parties or end-of-the-year things that the teacher wants to participate in, it’s a little more of a gray area,” Ramirez said Mission CISD also shares the general policy that a parent can only bring a snack to their child, however, even on special occasions they do not allow classroom sharing.

“When we first went down the road of not allowing parents to bring in the cupcakes and things for parties, it was not popular,” MCISD Spokesman Craig Verley said. “But I think especially the parents of children with food allergies appreciate the efforts because of not knowing how the foods were prepared or what ingredients were used.”

Although Sharyland’s practices are in accordance with the Lauren Law, they discourage any distribution of sweet treats because of allergies. One in three children has a food allergy, according to Food Allergy Research Education.

This pastry declaration is

also coming into an ongoing obesity battle that South Texas has been fighting. With the South ranking as the second heaviest region to the Midwest, according to a study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Rio Grande Valley alone is 38.5 percent obese. Children in South Texas have a projected lifespan a few years shorter than their parents, according to a 2013 New York Times article.

In addition, families with a lower income have a higher percentage of overweight or obese children, according to a 2011-2012 study by the National Survey of Children’s Health. The corporation 24/7 Wall St. ranked the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan has been ranked as the fifth poorest city in the nation.

Not only did Miller deliver the baked good news the day before the 2015 legislature began, but he also delivered the baked goods to the Capitol – serving 181 cupcakes for each member of the House and Senate.

DINBURG – The University of Texas-Pan American’s College of Health Sciences and Human Services plans to separate fact from fiction regarding infectious diseases at its second Critical Issues in Health Care Event on Thursday, Jan.22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the UTPA Ballroom.

It takes place in the UTPA Ballroom with the topic, “Infectious Disease: Are We at Risk?” and will address what diseases pose a threat to South Texas. Alyson Hight, infection control and prevention manager at Valley Baptist Medical Center and past president of the Texas chapter of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, will deliver the keynote address before the panel discussion begins.

For more information, call 665-5261.

Mission CISD will be closed Monday

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ission Consolidated Independent School District schools and offices will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19. Classes and regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

This date had also been set on the district calendar as a designated bad weather day. If school had been cancelled during the first semester, Jan. 19 would have been used to make up the lost day.

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Texas mourned the lose of former Gov. Allan Shivers Shivers was married to the former Marialice Shary, daughter of John H. Shary, who was the pioneer developer of the citrus industry in the Rio Grande Valley.

Ramirez announced candidacy for Mission City Council Celestino Ramirez, now deceased, said he would run as an independent for Place 4 on the council. He was employed as a school counselor in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district.

“I feel all public officials should be held accountable for their actions. I believe all expenditures should be justified and minimized for what is truly the duties of city government,” Ramirez said.

Ortegon sought third term in office, Hinojosa opposes Mayor Fernando Ortegon formally announced his bid for re-election, citing unprecedented growth in the city.

“It has been the direct result of many hours of hard work including working, in many cases, with other local officials such as County Commissioner Norberto Salinas and Chamber of Commerce President Clark Spikes to develop workable programs for public improvements and economic developments,” Ortegon said.

Meanwhile, Manuel Hinojosa, an architect and lifelong Mission resident, filed candidacy to oppose Ortegon.

“The future of Mission lies within its people and its amenities. Its potential must be developed with intelligent and knowledgeable planning and honest dedication focused at what’s good for all the people of Mission and its economic development, Hinojosa said.

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opinion

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — Signaling his intent to promote transparency and accountability in the 84th Texas Legislature, House Speaker Joe Straus on Jan. 9 announced that in the coming weeks the House would release a budget proposal designed to strengthen oversight of state agency contracts. The Legislature convened Jan. 13.

Agencies or institutions of higher education, under the proposal, would have to meet new reporting requirements prior to awarding a contract or making a purchase worth more than $10 million, Straus said. Requirements also would apply to contracts and purchases worth more than $1 million and which do not go through a competitive bidding process, he added.

At least 30 days prior to making such an expenditure, a state agency issuing a contract would have to notify the Legislative Budget Board, governor, state auditor, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, chair of the Senate Finance Committee and chairs of any other committees with jurisdiction over contracting. Along with that notification, an agency, before finalizing such a contract, would provide to the Legislative Budget Board and the others: • Information about the nature of the contract and the vendor awarded it.

• A certification by the agency’s executive director that the process used to award the contract or make the purchase complies with the state’s Contract Management Guide, State of Texas Procurement Manual and all applicable laws.

• A certification by the agency’s executive director that the agency can verify

vendor performance and deliverables, payment of goods and services only within the scope of the contract, and other information.

Furthermore, Straus said, the next state budget “will make clear that the state comptroller should not allow the expenditure of funds if the Legislative Budget Board says the requirements listed above have not been met.”

AG Paxton is sworn in Ken Paxton of McKinney was sworn in as Texas’s 51st attorney general on Jan. 5 with Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, governor-elect Greg Abbott, lieutenant governor-elect Dan Patrick and Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett, family and friends present for the Senate Chamber ceremony.

Paxton, a McKinney Republican who served as a state senator from 2012 to 2014 and as a member of the Texas House from 2002 to 2012, succeeds governor-elect Abbott as the state’s chief law enforcement officer.

“We must be vigilant and stand our ground, guarding against the complacency that could erode everything that we’ve worked so hard to build,” Paxton said after taking the oath of office.

Ag chief Miller takes oath Sid Miller of Stephenville was sworn in as Texas’ 12th commissioner of agriculture before a crowd of family, friends, supporters and colleagues during a ceremony at the Capitol on Jan. 5.

Gov. Perry, who served as agriculture commissioner from 1991-1999, administered the oath. Present were Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, lieutenant governor-elect Patrick, three former Texas agriculture commissioners, several legislators and other state office-

holders.

“Agriculture touches the lives of every man, woman and child in Texas more times a day than any other industry,” Miller said. “It doesn’t matter whether you live on a farm in Hockley County or in the suburbs of Houston. Life doesn’t work without agriculture.”

3 races require runoffs Special elections were conducted Jan. 6 for one state Senate seat and two state House seats. No candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in any of the contests, so runoffs will be held.

In Bexar County, State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, a Democrat, received 43 percent of the vote in a five-candidate race to fill the Senate District 26 seat vacated by Leticia Van de Putte. Rep. Jose Menendez, also a Democrat, placed second, receiving 25 percent of the vote.

In five-way race to succeed Tim Kleinschmidt as the state representative for House District 17 the top two vote-getters were Republicans John Cyrier, who received 46 percent of the vote, and Brent Golemon, who received 26 percent. The district includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Gonzales, Karnes and Lee counties.

Kleinschmidt resigned from the House in November to accept a position as general counsel for the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Six candidates competed in the special election to succeed state Rep. Mike Villarreal in the San Antonio House District 123 seat. Democrat Diego Bernal received 47 percent of the special election vote and in the runoff will face Republican Nunzio Previtera who received 21 percent. Villarreal, like Van de Putte, is a candidate for mayor of San Antonio.

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Texas A&M University System leads the way in fiscal responsibility

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By John Sharp espect is one of the core values we help instill in every Aggie student, and we at The Texas A&M University System treat our students, their parents, and the taxpayers of Texas with respect when it comes to giving them value for their dollar.

With the start of the 84th Texas legislative session and the inauguration of a new Governor right around the corner, it is a good moment to reflect on the importance of fiscal responsibility by higher education systems, including The Texas A&M University System.

Three years ago, we decided that landscaping, food service and building maintenance could be done more efficiently by the private sector than by the universities in our system. We outsourced these services and over the next 10 to 12 years will save more than $360 million, which we are reinvesting into the core mission of our universities: outstanding teaching and life-changing research. In addition, we formed public-private partnerships for construction projects, meaning we no longer use tax dollars to build our dormitories. Our private partners do that for us.

We also saw that administrative costs at American universities were increasing

four to five times faster than academic costs. Therefore, we reviewed all administrative costs and began freezing and cutting administrative positions within the system. To date, our administrative review has identified $230 million in savings opportunities over the next five years, savings that will be utilized to enhance our academics even further. For example, we can offer programs such as engineering in places they have never been offered: in the Rio Grande Valley, in West Texas, and in Stephenville.

Today, our administrative overhead is an astonishingly low 3.6 percent, which the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board says is the lowest in the state.

One of our primary goals is to enhance our research mission. Our flagship, Texas A&M, is the largest research university in Texas and the entire Southwest. Through the Chancellor’s Research Initiative (CRI) and the Texas A&M University Institute for Advanced Studies we have recruited Nobel Laureates and National Academy members to our classrooms and labs to conduct research into, among other things, regenerative medicine for rebuilding damaged tissue, the use of lasers in agricultural and environmental science, the modeling of new materials for energy storage/production, and the

interconnected relationship between agriculture, nutrition, and disease prevention.

We recently announced the expansion of the CRI from Texas A&M and Prairie View A&M University to include all campuses across our System, paving the way for more cutting-edge research.

We are doing all of this while keeping the dream of an education at a top-tier university affordable: tuition and fees at Texas A&M rank 10th in the state, behind Lamar University in Beaumont, for example.

Furthermore, we guarantee the tuition and fees a student starts with to remain the same for four years.

At the Texas A&M System, we know why we are here: to create the best universities in our nation, and we are well on our way. No other university system in the state or the country does more than we do to respect taxpayers and their hardearned dollars while providing a first-class educational experience.

To our students, their parents, and all Texas taxpayers, our message is clear: we want your legislators to know that when they send your tax dollars to the Texas A&M University System, we will treat those dollars with respect.

(John Sharp is chancellor of The Texas A&M University System.)

Reader: City needs to ensure potential convention center will not be ‘underused’

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o the editor: I was wondering when the idea of a convention center would invade Mission. I don’t think the question is “should we have a convention center”? I

think the question we should ask is If we do build one “how do we keep it from being under used and, therefore, losing money” like all the rest in the Valley. Remember folks a convention

center can’t live by the draw provided by an international bridge, a railroad bridge and a birding center.

Signed, Ned Sheats Mission

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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.

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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.

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Alton commissions fire marshal’s office

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By Julie Silva

wo years of work culminated Tuesday night as Alton Fire Chief Javier Garcia swore in the city’s first two certified fire investigators.

The ceremony marked the creation of a fire marshal’s office, which will have a home at the new fire station once it is complete. To become a fire investigator, firefighters Randy Alvarez and Manuel Garza III had to earn certification through the Texas Commis-

sion on Law Enforcement.

Garcia, too, has a certification.

Before Garcia could get to the swearing at Tuesday night’s city commission meeting, City Manager Jorge Arcaute interrupted.

“He’s certainly not bragging enough about the importance of the fire marshal’s office, which again for a city this size is very exceptional,” Arcaute said. “This is a pretty big deal.”

Over the past few years, the fire department has transi-

Council grants amnesty on fees to mow weedy lots

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By Kathy Olivarez he Mission City Council approved an amnesty program for its weedy lot mowing policy that adds interest, penalty fees and administrative costs to the cost of having city staff mow weedy lots belonging to citizens or former residents of Mission in its Monday meeting.

Through July 15, those owing fines for weedy lots can pay the fines without having to pay the penalty fees, interest or administrative fees added to the cost of mowing the lots.

City staff said recording fees would not be waived but it was an opportunity for persons owing the city for mowing weedy lots to pay the fee without a substantial amount of additional fees other than the cost of mowing.

The council agreed this action would assist people with mowing liens against their property. The principal of the lien must be paid in full plus recording fees needed to release the lien on the property.

People with liens against their property who would like to take advantage of the amnesty program can do so by calling the city’s finance department at 580-8685 or by going by city hall and speaking with Angie Vela. Depending on the amount owed, taking advantage of the amnesty program could save some people from a few dollars to several thousand dollars, according to City Planner Daniel Tijerina.

Also Monday, the council authorized city administrators to declare three properties as surplus property so they could be sold. The properties include Lot 24, in block two and the City of Mission Park in block four of the Erdahl Subdivision. It also includes more or less 1.48 acres out of 10.36 acres in Lot 24-7 West Addition to Sharyland subdivision.

Bert Ogden was granted permission to have a new ground pole for its new Maserati dealership. The pole will be within 50 feet of a similar pole at an adjacent dealership so a variance had to be granted.

The council approved a reimbursement of $84,250 from the city to the total cost of $168,500 of construction of a lift station for the developer of Santa Lucia Subdivision on the northwest corner of S. Taylor Road and Colorado Street because the lift station will also provide relief to the general area.

Under police concerns, the council approved the purchase of six new cameras for monitoring activities as a crime prevention technique. Three of the cameras will be installed at Bentsen Palm Community Park. One

COMING ATTRACTIONS from pg 2

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.

will be located at Bannworth Park. Another will be located at the intersection of Conway and Griffin Parkway, and the last camera will be installed at Taylor Road and Mile 2 North.

The council also agreed to write off of $27,128 in uncollectible water, sewer and garbage bills for the third quarter of 2014. Total costs written off since the program started in 2012 amounts to $324,347.

Under new board appointments, Lauren Irma Rare was named to the southwest position for Citizens Advisory Board. Ruben Plata was named as alternate for the Mayor to the Mission Economic Development Association. Yolanda Martinez was named to the Speer Memorial Library Board. Rene De la Cruz was appointed to the Traffic Safety Board.

Jonathan O’Cana and Albert Peña were named to the Youth Advocacy Board.

Rene Lopez took the fire department position and Cynthia Wilson was named to the Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s position for the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Board.

Approval was granted to submit a request to the Texas Department of Transportation to temporarily close Conway Avenue from the two and a half Mile Line North to Expressway 83 on January 31 so the Texas City Fiesta Parade of Oranges can be held. The 100 and 200 blocks of West Tom Landry were also included in the request.

In other action, the council honored employees who have worked with the city for 20, 25 and 35 years with plaques denoting their years of service.

Those who have been employed by city for 20 years included Mauro L Reyna III, Municipal Court; Catarino Sanchez, Police, Gilbert Sanchez, Fire Prevention; Omar Tanguma, Meter Reader; Raul Tanguma Jr., Police; and Maria L. Vasquez, Finance Department.

Employees who have been with the city for 25 years included Homer Alaniz, Public Works; Rosaura Alvarez, Library; Mauro Anzaldua Jr., Water Distribution; Joe Macias, Police; Eduardo Mendoza, Municipal Court; Luis Ramirez Mendoza, Facility Maintenance; and Armando A Rendon Jr., Fire Department.

Maria E. Cruz has been with Utility Billing for 35 years.

tioned from volunteer to paid, with 16 firefighters, including two chiefs. When the new fire station opens in the next few months, Arcaute hopes to begin building a reputation as a training center for area firefighters as well.

“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.

Pictured from left to right are Manuel Garza III, Alton Fire Chief Javier Garcia and Randy Alvarez.

La Joya ISD welcomes students back into the classroom

T

o some, attending school can become a daunting task that may lead to giving up and dropping out.

Fortunately, the existence of out reach programs is a true salvation for many who have faced adversities.

A prime example is La Joya ISD College and Career Center, which offers hundreds of at-risk students the opportunity to get back on the graduation track.

Situations, whether accidental, forceful, or voluntarily, do arise that can deviate a student from the path to receiving their diploma.

Regardless of any obstacles, the fast-paced instructional program at the center is designed to aid in completion of graduation requirements and to provide college and career opportunities. The institution provides support and services on the student’s

own terms through flexible schedules and a constant, clear focus on the present and the future.

Since the center opened in 2008, more than 1,400 students have graduated with an average of over 85 percent exiting with certificates in nurse assistant, security guard, welding, and substitute teaching. The variety of certificates available certainly empowers the C&CC students to face life’s challenges with confidence and dignity.

“Aside from providing a solid academic program, the post-secondary opportunities that we offer while building strong relationships have truly been the determining factors influencing the success of my students,” stated principal, Ronnie Cabrera. Mr. Cabrera strongly believes that connecting with the students and creating relations is fundamental in facilitating

student success.

The environment of the College and Career Center is one where high self-esteem is fostered along with social and scholastic skills in a safe and responsible atmosphere.

Here, students discover that it is never too late to graduate and that the present situation does not determine a permanent destination.

With three graduations held annually, Jan. 19 the center will graduate 72 more students who have completed their high school course work. Congratulations to the new graduates and to the LJISD College and Career Center for inspiring and enabling young adults become productive members of society.

subject to forfeiture.

Lastly, U.S. attorneys state that $23,000 was transferred from Salazar’s $50,000 ac-

count to buy a $53,000 certificate of deposit. The entire CD, too, is subject to forfeiture, U.S. attorneys state.

U.S. seeks nearly $270K from Mission business owner accounts

U

.S. attorneys are seeking nearly $270,000 in forfeiture funds from bank accounts connected to Mission-owned business ABC Durable Medical Equipment.

According to forfeiture request filed in the U.S. Southern District of Texas, Adalberto Salazar and Veronica Vela, father and daughter, own the company, which operated from 2006 to 2012, when it went out of business.

Medicaid paid the company more than $5 million from 2007 to 2013, and an additional $1.5 million and $400,000 was paid out through Medicare and private insurance companies, respectively. In the court documents, U.S. attorneys allege that ABC DME submitted fraudulent bills.

“There is reason to believe that ABC DME billed for adult pull-up underwear-style diapers (‘pull-ups’) and other durable medical equipment and incontinence supplies that were never delivered to the beneficiaries as represented,” the document states.

It states that from July 2012 through November 2013, 90 percent of the reimbursements from Medicaid were for the incontinence supplies.

ABC DME opened an account at Lone Star National Bank in 2006 that eventually took in more than $6.8 million in payments for claims filed by the business. Another account was opened in 2010.

And on Aug. 29, 2011,

ABC DME bought a 5-year certificate of deposit for $50,000, and U.S. attorney allege that $52,388 in the account is subject to forfeiture.

U.S. attorneys also state Salazar and Vela opened a joint personal checking account in 2013, after closing the business. The court document states that the two transferred the remaining proceeds into the account, moving $274,202 into the account and then issuing a cashier’s check to Salazar for the full amount of the account. U.S. attorneys say $144,981 of that money is subject to forfeiture.

Also, the court document states that Salazar opened a personal savings account with a $50,000 check from his checking account.

“Because Salazar is an owner who was paying himself for managing a business engaged in pervasive fraud, the United States alleges that Salazar’s entire salary can be considered to be fraud proceeds,” the document states.

As a result, U.S. attorneys reason, another $17,677 is

J

lifestyle BETWEEN the bookendS

Speer Memorial Library

12th St. & Kika Loop • Mission • 580-8750

By William Renner

oin us at Speer Memorial Library in Mission, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion of “The Monuments Men.” It takes place in the library’s Community Room, and the public is invited.

For 2015, Speer Memorial is providing an added incentive to participate in the Morton’s Book Club. The library was the recipient of the Texas Reads Grant and will make free copies available, while supplies last, to people who sign up for the book discussions. This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Researched and written

by Robert M. Edsel, this month’s book details the activity of a very select international group that saved treasured art from being permanently lost to the world.

Before World War II began in Europe, Adolf Hitler sent art scholars to various European countries to secretly inventory all kinds of artwork—statues, paintings, etc.—representing much of the artistic and cultural heritage of Europe. When his armies invaded those countries during the war, his of-

ficers took the artwork and, along with art confiscated from Jewish families, placed it in storage for future display in his planned “Führermuseum.”

Responding to Hitler’s art heist was an international group of art scholars, museum curators, artists, and others who served in a joint U.S.-British military operation known as Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA). Enduring hardships in combat zones (two MFAA members were killed), and with few resources other than their own persistence and commitment, they tracked down and retrieved much of the art that the Nazis had stolen, returning it to the rightful owners, and also identified culturally significant buildings in order to prevent their destruction by military forces.

For information, to obtain a copy and to sign up, call 580-8750 or register at the library. It is located at 12th and Kika De La Garza in Mission.

Rounding up donations and sponsors for Mega Purse event

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cALLEN – Donations and sponsors are currently needed for the Sixth Annual Mega Purse Event benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. The event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, at 724 N. Cage in Pharr for an evening of purse and accessory shopping, music, food, massages and silent auctions.

The public can donate gently used or new purses, jewelry, belts, scarves, sunglasses and accessories at various collection locations or by contacting Philip Farias at 904-4513 or pfarias@ foodbankrgv.com. Drop-off locations include the Food Bank RGV in Pharr, IBC Bank locations in the upper Valley and The Monitor, Spa La Posada, Eternal Wellness Spa and Maripoza Boutique, all in McAllen.

Tickets for the event are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For tickets or information, go to foodbankrgv. com or call 904-4513 during business hours.

‘Winter Texan Saturdays’ return to IMAS

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cALLEN – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) welcomes 2015 with the return of their “Winter Texan Saturdays” monthly program. It kicks off this Sat-

urday, Jan 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will be included in the price of general admission.

This month, Winter Texans and senior citizens ages 55 and over will receive a guided tour of IMAS, free coffee and donuts, as well as a short workshop focusing on smartphones and tablets.

The next dates will be Feb. 14 and March 14, at the same time. Each Saturday will have a short workshop focusing on technology. Devices are not included.

General admission to IMAS is $5 per person. For more information, call 6820123 or visit www.imasonline.org.

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 585-4893. Please include a contact name and phone number for all inquiries.

January 16, 2015

page 6

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

20th Annual Community Health Fair set for Sunday

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ISSION – The 20th Annual Mission Community Health Fair at the Sharyland High School gymnasium is set for Sunday, Jan. 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is free and open to the public and offers the general public an opportunity to receive free health screenings and access to important information on health-related issues.

The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) in collaboration with Mission Regional Medical Center (MRMC), sponsors the event.

“As a community-based, non-profit hospital, MRMC places great value on the

health of those we serve,” said Evelyn Saenz, MRMC marketing coordinator. “We want all the community to take advantage of this great opportunity to get a free check-up on their health.”

Free screenings include bone density (osteoporosis), flu vaccines, pulmonary function tests and more. The laboratory team from MRMC will provide master blood tests to the first 500 people.

The blood screening includes complete blood count (anemia), comprehensive metabolic panel (diabetes, liver and kidney function), lipid profile (total cholesterol HDL and LDL), PSA (prostate cancer screening)

for males over 40 and TSH (Thyroid function screening) for females. The screenings are valued at approximately $1,000.

A 12-hour food fast is recommended for those wishing to have blood screening tests.

“We are very excited to host this community health fair here in Mission,” said George Myers, GMCC president and CEO. “It provides a great opportunity for the public to examine their own health while at the same time, learning how to help others become healthy as well.”

For more information, contact Paola Lopez at events@missionchamber. com or at 585-2727.

Events Calendar

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. 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 Brownsville Historical Association will sponsor Confederate Heroes Day at Old City Cemetery, 600 Jackson Street, at 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Jan uary 19-24 – The Rio Grande Valley Woodcarver’s annual “Rally on the Rio” will take place at Cielo Banquet Hall, 1101 E. FM 495 in San Juan. 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. It is open to all carvers from beginners to experienced levels. For more information, call Fred Stenman at 320-253-2132 or Jim Crawford at 5833734.

Jan uary 20 – The Winter Texan Ghost Camp at the Brownsville Heritage Center will be held at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Admission is $20. Call 541-5560 for information.

Jan uary 20-21 – The Winter Texan Health Fair & Expo, McAllen Convention Center, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for health vendors and an entertainment lineup.

Call 460-6887 for information.

Jan uary 22 – The Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty, will host a quilting techniques lesson at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Jan uary 22 - Meet author Jan Dunlap at 6 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen. Minnesota author Jan Dunlap entertains with stories about birding, researching, and writing her humorous Birder Murder Mystery series. She will give a sneak peek into her current title, “The Kiskadee of Death,” which is set in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and is slated for publication in the fall of 2015. The program fee is $3 per person; no advance reservation is required. For more information, call 681-3370.

Jan uary 22 – Parents and children can create a unique stamp during this week’s Family Fun Night at the Old Art Studio at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. The program, from 4 to 6 p.m., is $2 per person, supplies included, in addition to the regular museum admission price. Seating is limited. Call 682-1564 for more information.

Jan uary 22 – Museums of Port Isabel hosts “Telling Our Stories” at 7 p.m. at the Treasures of the Gulf Museum. Call 943-7602 for information.

Jan uary 24 – Learn about the “Winter Shorebirds” of the Valley at the Edinburg World Birding Center with Dr. Rex Stanford, a retired university professor from St. John’s University in New York. The program fee is $2 for members and $4 for nonmembers. Seating is limited; call 381-9922 to reserve a seat. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Jan uary 24 – A wildlife scavenger hunt for families will be hosted by the McAllen Nature Center, 4101 W. Bus. 83, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 681-3333.

Jan uary 28 – The next Art Talk meeting will be held at 10 a.m. at Pharr Memorial Library, 121 E. Cherokee in the second floor conference room. Local artists Juanita Gibson and Sue Sill will lead the discussion. In 2015 featured topics will provide information about various Mid-Valley Art Groups. The January topic is about the Hidalgo County Watercolor Society. There is no admission charge, and the public is invited. Call Dr. Keith Michal at 648-2036 for more information.

Jan uary 29 – Parents and children can make a homemade bird feeder during this week’s Family Fun Night at the Old Art Studio at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. The program, from 4 to 6 p.m., is $2 per person, supplies included, in addition to the regular museum admission price. Seating is limited. Call 682-1564 for more information.

Jan uary 29 – The McAllen Food Festival will be held at McAllen Convention Center from 6 to 9 p.m.

Jan uary 30 – Mission icon Cleo Dawson Smith, author of “She Came to the Valley,” will be honored with an exhibit at the Mission Historical Museum. There will be a showing of the movie at 1: 30 p.m. and a reception following at 4 p.m.

(To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.)

January 16, 2015

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MCISD, LJISD schools land on low performance list

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By Lea Victoria Juarez arents of some Mission and La Joya students have the opportunity to place their child in another district because the two landed on the Texas Education Agency’s low performing schools list for the second year in a row.

TEA’s Public Education Grant list is based off the previous school year – in this case the 2013-2014 school year. This year 892 schools ended up on the list, nearly doubling from last year. Included on the PEG roster are campuses with STAAR passing rates that are less than or equal to 50 percent than any of the three previous years.

Also included are schools that were rated Improvement Required in 2013 or 2014.

Mission schools: • Mission High • Rafael A. Cantu Jr. High • White Jr. High La Joya schools: • Cesar Chavez Middle • Domingo Treviño Middle • Dr. Javier Saenz Middle • Elodia R. Chapa Elementary • Irene M. Garcia Middle • Juarez-Lincoln High • La Joya High • La Joya Palmview High • Rosendo Benavides Elementary Although the list was re-

leased by TEA at the end of the fall 2014 semester, the school districts have known how they fared in testing since the end of the spring 2014 semester. They were able to make their own adjustments for the most recent fall semester.

One of the lowest performing areas was the social studies test. La Joya ISD responded to that by expanding its social studies coordinator department. As opposed to having one for the entire district, they now have one coordinator for the high school level, one for the middle schools and one for the elementary campuses.

“This is allowing us to address the needs of each individual campus level in a more precise and acute way,” LJISD Spokesman Eden Ramirez said. “The teachers love having their own coordinator to work more closely with them. We’ll have a better picture of its impact in the testing season coming up.”

MCISD also saw low scores in the social studies area and has implemented the strategies to improve both student and teacher skills.

The district started professional learning communities where groups of teachers and administrators continuously analyze classroom data to address the problems. It also

developed targeted improvement plans and new social studies curriculum.

“We’re looking at ongoing professional learning and professional development to make sure that our teachers have the tools and ideas that they need to be able to serve their students,” MCISD Spokesperson Craig Verley said.

The PEG is an accountability rating separate from the state’s usual rating system which classifies campuses as either Met Standard or Improvement Required. It is possible for a school to have received a Met Standard rating, but still land on the PEG low performance list.

For La Joya, Juarez-Lincoln High and Dr. Saenz Middle School were on the Improvement Required list for the state, but the others Met Standard. All three of the MCISD schools on the PEG list Met Standard for the state rating.

Districts have until Feb. 1 to notify the parents of the low performance situation, which allows schools time to consider transfer requests before the start of the next school year. Both LJISD and MCISD confirmed they are taking the steps to notify the parents.

In 2012, 394,000 Texas students were eligible for

PEG, but only 1,545 students used the program to transfer to another district. The state doesn’t provide transportation funding for out-ofdistrict transfers. However, Texas for Education Reform, a lobbyist group, recently announced plans to seek funding from the Legislature for PEG-eligible students.

Districts in the PEG program receive higher allocation funding from the state for each PEG-transfer student. It is equal to about 10 percent of the basic adjustment allot-

A

ment, which varies by school.

The Mission and La Joya representatives explained that they do not keep track of who transfers for PEG-related reasons, but that the number of transfer students has not increased.

“We’re very fortunate to have parents that are very trusting of their child’s education in our school system,” Ramirez said. “So anytime parents have questions, our first job is to inform them of everything that is happening.”

Although it is too soon to tell if the schools’ new programs and strategies will affect the next accountability rating, they’ve been receiving positive campus feedback and remain hopeful for a better term.

“You’re always looking at improving,” MCISD’s Verley said. “It’s not ‘OK, we’ve met this goal, we’re good.’

You’re always continuously looking at how you’re going to be improving so that this process won’t just end after initial concerns are met.”

tics, our children are getting a better education."

Following the outcome of the runoff election in Senate District 26, a total of nine new members will join legislative veterans to meet a number of challenges laid out at a news conference last week by Lt. Governor-elect Dan Patrick, who will officially take office alongside Governor-elect Greg Abbott at next Tuesday's Inauguration. Patrick highlighted border security, education, and tax cuts as some of his top priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

State budget writers will have $113 billion to work with, according to the Comptroller's revenue estimate re-

leased on Monday, $12 billion more than the state had available in 2013. Comptroller Glenn Hegar said that strong state economic growth and higher than expected sales tax collections will put more money in state coffers for the 2016-2017 budget that lawmakers will craft this session. Hegar said his office projects that the state economy will continue modest growth for the next biennium.

Falling oil prices, he said, have dampened the forecast for the next two years, but a more diverse state economy means that many sectors of the economy will benefit from lower prices and consumers

Senate kicks off 84th session

USTIN–The Texas Senate opened the 20week session Tuesday, welcoming eight new members and saying farewell to a longtime leader.

Eight newly elected senators took their oath of office from outgoing Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, serving his last opening day as the body's presiding officer. Senate members took time to honor the man who has led the body for the past 12 years, calling him an effective and fair leader who truly loved the state.

"I think we've made Texas better," Dewhurst said. "More people have jobs than ever in the history of the State of Texas, the crime rate is down and if you look at the statis-

See SENATE 10

January 16, 2015

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Pistokache joins Broncs basketball

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By Luciano Guerra he University of TexasPan American Broncs men’s basketball team closed out its non-conference schedule Monday night with a 68-43 loss to the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners. The loss was the first at home for the Broncs against five wins as they fell to 7-10 overall.

In what was a back-andforth game throughout most of the first half, the Roadrunners took their six point (2923) halftime lead and opened it up to 20 points (48-28) with a 19-5 run in the first six minutes of the second half. While UTSA continued building on their lead throughout the remainder of the game, UTPA did manage to keep the point differential during the final 13:46 to only five points as the Roadrunners went on to hand the Broncs their second 20-plus point loss of the season.

After the game, UTPA’s

associate head coach Andy Hipsher blamed turnovers for letting the Roadrunners run away with the game in the second half.

“Turnovers were a huge key,” Hipsher said. “They really exploited us in the second half on our lack of ball toughness. I think on the game there was a 26-5 differential in points off of turnovers in their favor – that is a huge disparity. It makes it really hard to win games when you don’t take care of the ball and you don’t give yourself opportunities to score.”

“Not only did we turn the ball over, but they turned around and went down to score. I think that’s what keyed their run in the second half,” added Hipsher.

Although Monday night’s game was non-conference and will not affect UTPA’s WAC (Western Athletic Conference) standings, that was no consolation for Hipsher.

“Whether a game is con-

ference or non-conference it really doesn’t make that much of a difference,” said Hipsher. “We try to instill in our guys that no matter who the opponent is we approach the game the same way with the same preparation and the same focus. This game was no different. UTSA came in here and played a really good game and they did a nice job.”

Is there anything positive the Broncs could take from their second half performance? To this Hipsher said, “I think we were ready for them but when you’re not tough with the ball, when you turn it over and they start getting what we call “pick six turnovers” where they have a free run at layups and easy baskets that’s something that’s tough to deal with. On the other end we had decent looks at the basket all night, but we just couldn’t knock them down.”

A 2012 graduate of Sharyland High School Joaquin

RIGHT: UTPA’s Joaquin Pistokache looks for an opening to take a shot during the fourth quarter of the Broncs’ 68-43 loss to the UTSA Roadrunners Monday night.

Progress Times photo

by Luciano Guerra

“Kino” Pistokache is one of only two players on the current UTPA roster that played high school basketball in the Valley. As the Rattlers’ alltime leading scorer, a threetime First Team All-District and a two-time RGV Basketball Coaches Association First Team All-Valley selection, Pistokache decided to try out for the Broncs after taking last year off.

“After graduating from Sharyland I played my freshman year at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York,” shared Pistokache. “But I didn’t like the situation I was in there so I returned home and I decided

See BRONCS 10

Lady Rattlers shooting for return to playoffs

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By Luciano Guerra he Sharyland Lady Rattlers played like they were unbeatable Tuesday night. Their complete domination of the Valley View Lady Tigers, outscoring them by nearly a 4-1 margin, and their ability to pretty much score at will made it look at times like they were the only players on the court.

While Sharyland’s 65-18 District 31-5A win over Valley View was impressive, it was only the Lady Rattlers’

LEFT: Sharyland’s Maddie Garza takes a jump shot during the first quarter of the Lady Rattlers’ recent 6518 win over the Valley View Lady Tigers. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

second win against three losses thus far in district play. Having opened their district schedule with losses to Edinburg Vela, Veterans Memorial and Roma put Sharyland into a hole and they are now doing their best to climb out. While back-toback wins against Sharyland Pioneer and Valley View are a step in the right direction, Sharyland head coach Dale Whitaker knows that there is still a lot of work to do to avoid missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.

“We drew the toughest three teams the first three games,” explained Whitaker.

“So looking at it we knew we were going to have a tough time the first three games but we were hopeful that we could steal at least one

of those games but it didn’t work out that way. But now we’ve won two in a row and we’re playing Rio Grande Friday night so if we can make it three in a row we’ll be okay.”

With the top four teams in each district qualifying for the playoffs, Sharyland missed out on post-season play last year when they ended the regular season in a three-way tie for fourth place but lost their tie-breaking playoff game.

Lady Rattlers’ junior post player Maddie Garza is determined not to let that happen again.

“Coach Whitaker told us last year that out of his 20-something years of coaching he had only one team not make the playoffs,”

said Garza. “So last year we were the second team. I don’t want this team to be the third.”

With this being the first year of Sharyland being a two high school town, many former Lady Rattlers players are now Lady Diamondbacks. With their first headto-head matchup last Friday, Whitaker and Garza both shared what it was like to go up against their former players or teammates.

“It’s been difficult because we see those girls and they’re friends,” said Whitaker. “Those were my kids who I’ve coached since they were freshmen. So, while it’s hard to play against them we went over there and did the

See RATTLERS 10

January 16, 2015

obituaries

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Angelberto Acosta ISSION - Angelberto Acosta Sr. passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at his home in Mission.

Mr. Acosta was born in Abram on Oct. 23, 1923. He was a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War and was a Bronze Star recipient. He was honorably discharged on June 21, 1946.

He owned O.K. Tire Sales and retired from South Texas Glass.

Survivors include his daughters, Lenora Acosta, Rosemary Acosta, Norma Acosta, Olga Acosta and Betty Ann Acosta; son, Angelberto Acosta Jr.; and16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anneliese M. Acosta.

A funeral mass was held on Jan. 13 at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen.

Pallbearers were Ignacio Pinalez III, Shane James, Antonio Ayala, Roberto Ayala, Stephen Acosta, Lucas Acosta and Matthew Acosta.

Honorary pallbearers were Arturo Acosta and Angelberto Acosta Jr.

Notices

Roberto Sanchez Cantu MISSION - Roberto Sanchez Cantu, 74, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center.

Maria Guadalupe Cibrian MISSION - Maria Guadalupe Cibrian passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 13 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview.

Hilaria Elizondo LA JOYA - Hilaria Elizondo, 72, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at her home in La Joya.

Francisco Javier Flores MISSION – A funeral service for Francisco Flores was

G

Adam Raul Hardison RAPEVINE/MISSION - Adam Raul Hardison, 48, of Grapevine passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015.

Mr. Hardison was born in Muleshoe to David and Marilyn (Miller) Hardison. He was educated in the Sharyland I.S.D. and received his bachelor’s and law degrees from Baylor University. In 2011, he was married to the former Lisbet MacMiller in Mission. He was the owner of Hardison Law Firm in Dallas, an active member of Gateway Church in Southlake and a Paul Harris Fellow at the Grapevine Rotary Club.

Survivors include his wife, Lisbet; sons, Grayson and Jacob; daughter, Katelyn; stepdaughter, Gloria; brother, Jasen Hardison; and parents, David and Marilyn.

A viewing will be held on Friday, Jan. 16, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m. at Palm Valley Church in Mission. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Gateway Church in Southlake.

The family has suggested memorial contributions be made to the Grapevine Rotary Club for its computer

held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Lexii M. Flores MISSION – A funeral service for Lexii M. Flores was held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Margarito Garcia SULLIVAN CITY – Margarito Garcia passed away on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral was held on Jan. 13 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Sullivan City.

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com

program in support of lower-income students at Grapevine Middle school. Send to Grapevine Rotary, P.O. Box 103, Grapevine, TX 76099.

Oralia Lopez ISSION - Oralia (Yayita) Lopez passed away on on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015.

Mrs. Lopez was born in Mission on March 1, 1928.

Graduating from Mission High School, at an early age she owned and operated Lopez Grocery Store. Her experience led her into other business ventures when she later opened Yoli’s shoe store in downtown Mission and went on to own and operate Villarreal’s Produce which extended throughout the Valley and Mexico. Her last endeavor was Midway Warehouse, an import/export business.

Survivors include her daughters, Alicia Guerrero and Yoli Benavides; sisters, Ofelia de Rueda and Esperanza Sandoval; and six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Pablo and Delfina Lopez; brother, Raul Lopez Sr.; and sisters, Guadalupe Ramirez and Eva Ocanas.

A funeral mass was held on Jan. 14 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery.

M

Ollie G. Jones MISSION - Ollie G. Jones, 97, passed away on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at Briarcliff Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in McAllen.

San Juana Milan MISSION - San Juana Milan, 58, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Raul Navejar MISSION – A funeral service for Raul Navejar was held on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at La Piedad Cemetery in McAllen.

Jose Peña MISSION – A memorial service for Jose Peña was

S

Susana Montelongo ULLIVAN CITY - Susana “Chana” Montelongo, 77, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

She was born in Cuevitas on May 24, 1937, to Jose and Braulia Montelongo.

She is survived by her sister, Eugenia Montelongo.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Jose and Braulia Montelongo; brothers, Catarino, Dionicio and Ramon Montelongo; and sisters, Maria Inez Flores, Maria Cosme and Guadalupe Castillo.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. at Lord & I Funeral Home in Sullivan City. Burial follows at Cuevitas Cemetery.

Francisco D. Perez LLINOIS – Francisco D. Perez, 93 of Carpentersville, Ill. passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Friendship Village.

He was born Dec. 3, 1921, in Mission to Felix and Dolores Davila Perez.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Survivors include his children, Juan Perez and Dolores Priegnitz; brothers, Roberto andGilberto Perez; and three grandchildren Perez and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Angela C. Perez; parents and a daughter; and

I

held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission.

Felix Ramirez MISSION Felix Ramirez, 77, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission.

Maurilia Solis MISSION – A funeral service for Maurilia Solis was held on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at Puerto de Salvacion in La Joya. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview.

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

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002

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

Mission • 580-4551

ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701

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

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

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 





 

brothers, Raymond, Santiago, Jose and Larry Perez.

A funeral mass was held on Jan. 12 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elgin, Ill. Burial followed at River Valley Memorial Gardens in West Dundee, Ill. Simona Ruiz LTON - Simona Ruiz, 97, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, in Edinburg.

Mrs. Ruiz was born to Martin and Maria de la Luz Gomar on Oct. 3, 1917, in Rancho San Isidro, Guanajuato, Mexico. She was a member of El Templo Biblico in Alton.

Survivors include her children, David Enrique Ruiz, Laura Ruiz, Ramon Ruiz, Maria Guadalupe Hernandez and Nati Peterson; sisters, Carmen and Aurelia Gomar; and 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Enrique Ruiz, and children, Jose Trinidad Ruiz, Angel Ruiz, Natividad Ruiz de Martinez, Hilaria Ruiz, Luis Ruiz and Maria Ignacia Ruiz.

A funeral service was held on Jan. 10 at El Templo Biblico. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Delsa Maria Valles ISSION - Delsa Maria Valles, 76, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at her home in Mission.

She was born to Ramon and Engracia de Jesus on March 3, 1938, in Utuado, Puerto Rico.

Survivors include her daughters, Sheila Valles Pankratz of Mission, Aileen Valles of Long Island, N.Y., Marisa Valles of South Carolina and Lucinda Ann Schiff of California; and four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luis Emilio Valles, and son, Luis Emilio Valles, Jr. Cremation took place at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna. A memorial service was held on Jan. 15 at Conway Avenue Baptist Church in Mission.

A

M

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Sandra Kay Vandever ISSION - Sandra Kay Vandever, 64, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014.

She was born on in January, 1950, to Kenneth Ray and Billie Jean Vandever.

Survivors include her son, Crispin D. Hanshaw; sisters, Donna Blackwell and Susie Marroquin; and three grandchildren.

A celebration of life service was held on Jan. 10.

Jesus B. Villalobos ALMVIEW – Jesus Villalobos, 78, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

Mr. Villalobos was born on Aug. 18, 1936, to Jose and Maria Candelaria Villalobos.

For 25 years, he was owner of El Tio Chuy restaurant in Palmview.

Survivors include his sons, Jose I. Villalobos, Juan F. Villalobos and Jesus Villalobos Jr.; daughter, Isela Villalobos; siblings, Jose Francisco Villalobos and Sylvia Fryer; and 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

No funeral service was held. He chose to have his remains cremated.

P

All obituaries must be submitted by the funeral home. Obituary notices are run FREE OF CHARGE in the Progress Times if they are submitted in a timely manner to run the same week of the date of death. Otherwise, there is a fee for notices submitted later than the closest possible publication date. Late obituaries will be subject to a $50 charge.

Obituaries can be found online and are updated as they are received.

Visit www.progresstimes. net to stay current with obituaries and other news that matters to you.

page 10

La Joya ISD aims to improve employee health

L

a Joya ISD has embarked on a project aimed at improving the health of its employees, students, and community over the last three years, establishing a wellness committee.

The committee – composed of the wellness strategist, superintendent, athletic and assistant athletic directors, district head nurse, child nutrition director, district police chief, district head counselor, public relations director, and a group of diverse district and campus administrators – evaluated major health conditions affecting district employees.

With the help of the La Joya ISD primary health clinic, the main ailments identified were diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and asthma.

In order to tackle such life-threatening diseases, the committee’s prime objective is to provide services and events that would continuously encourage a healthy

January 16, 2015

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regimen for all of the La Joya ISD community.

One of those initiatives is the monthly brown bag health luncheon open to all district employees. At these luncheons, professional guest speakers meet to educate staff members and raise awareness on how to take better care of one’s health. From these luncheons, employees have grown more conscious of their own physical condition, which has also attributed to an increase in utilization of the district health clinic as a preventative measure.

At the district health clinic, employees (and family members who are covered in their insurance plans) can benefit from such services as no copay and cost-free lab work. Here, patients can take advantage of gratuitous prescription drugs when necessary and of the preventative healthcare screenings that are available.

Another contribution initiated by the committee is the

establishment of the district Wellness Center. The facility welcomes all district employees on weekdays, and to the community two days out of the week, free of charge.

The gym is equipped with a yoga room, free weights area, treadmills, elliptical machines, zumba and cardio classes, and a full basketball court. The building also includes dressing rooms with showers, which allows employees to easily workout during their lunchtime or before or after work.

To promote year-round physical activity, the Wellness Committee sponsors intramural sport competitions among its employees. Such tournaments incorporate volleyball, softball, kickball and an annual employee Health & Physical Activity Day. Moreover, the committee worked with the superintendent and the school board to establish a summer wellness program which permits employees one hour a day, two

days a week, to exercise during their working hours.

Also part of the wellness initiative, is the task of community involvement for the awareness of healthy lifestyles.

The committee recommended the school district build walking tracks at each of the middle schools for individuals and families to use. These are open to the community year-round on a daily basis.

The month of October marks a busy but significant time of the year for the committee. The La Joya ISD Breast Cancer Walk gathers more than 1,500 community members annually to raise awareness and celebrate breast cancer survivors.

Also, students have become directly involved with the development of their own lunch menus through a

SENATE

paying less at the pump will have more money in their pockets. This, along with the improving national economy, said Hegar, will help Texas weather the current slowdown in the state energy industry.

Also, Tuesday the Senate elected Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa of McAllen as its new President Pro Tem. The President Pro Tem stands third in line for the governorship, and serves in that capacity

RATTLERS

representative group of high school students. To accomplish this, the Child Nutrition Services Director has taken these students (the High School Advisory Pack) to the bi-annual school food expo to sample more than 300 vendors. Here, they learned

about nutrition facts, the benefits of healthy eating, and were able to rank their favorite meals. The Child Nutrition Department then utilized the information and opinions collected by the young connoisseurs to develop school menus.

whenever the governor and lieutenant governor are out of the state. Traditionally, the President Pro Tem is feted as "Governor for a Day" later in the session, when the top two statewide officials leave the state on a Saturday to allow the Senate and state to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the man or woman who holds that seat.

Hinojosa was praised by his colleagues for his integrity, bipartisanship and hon-

esty.

"Senator Hinojosa is a senator's Senator," said Senate Dean John Whitmire . "You are the one that the freshmen and others can look to as a model of what a senator is supposed to be about."

Hinojosa was instrumental last session in the creation of a new medical school in South Texas and has served as vice chair of the Senate finance committee for the past five sessions.

from pg 7

from pg 8

best we could. We did win the game 35-30 and then we hugged each other and we went on from there.”

“The atmosphere was really energetic so it was a lot of fun,” added Garza.

“Games like that are fun because the energy is going and everybody is all pumped up.

It was a big game…. I love every single one of them out

there, but having to go up against them was the hard part.”

Whitaker said the split did not have much effect on the varsity team, “but at the sub-varsity level we lost a lot. For some reason it seems as if a lot of our younger kids live in that part of Sharyland so we lost a huge amount of young talent to Pioneer.”

Tonight the Lady Rattlers will be traveling to Rio Grande City to play the other Lady Rattlers in the final game of the first round before taking on the Vela Lady Sabercats (away Jan. 20), the VMHS Lady Patriots (home Jan. 23) and the Roma Lady Gladiators (away Jan. 30) in the second round.

to stay away from basketball and work towards getting my business degree at UTPA. That is what I did for about a year and a half.”

“Once school started this past fall I was thinking about trying out for the team here but I wasn’t sure about it,” added Pistokache. “Then the day before tryouts I decided that I might as well give it a shot and I made the team.

I came in knowing that as a first year walk-on my play-

ing time would be very limited, but I made it clear to the coaches that I would do whatever it is they wanted me to do to help the team win.”

Against the Roadrunners Monday night Pistokache only played the final 3:51 of the game. He scored one field goal on his only attempt and had one turnover.

As of press time the Broncs were 1-0 in conference play with their 64-

59 win over Chicago State University Saturday. UTPA played their second conference game of the season last night against Seattle University and are scheduled to play Bakersfield at Bakersfield tomorrow night.

The Broncs will then return home for games against Utah Valley University, Thursday Jan. 22, and against Grand Canyon University, Saturday Jan. 24.

BRONCS

from pg 8

legalnotices ORDINANCE NO. 4181

ORDINANCE NO. 4182

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA CARNIVAL, 7.4 ACRES OUT OF LOT 25-6, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, & LOT 1, NORTH STAR PLAZA, JANUARY 18, 2015 – FEBRUARY 1, 2015 READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA FUN FAIR, 807 N. CONWAY AVENUE, (A.K.A. LA LOMITA PLAZA AND THE ROTARY READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4180

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE A HOTDOG CART, 1710 W. BUSINESS HIGHWAY 83, BEING A 1 ACRE TRACT OF LAND OUT OF LOT 20-1, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A 0.56 ACRE TRACT OUT OF LOT 186, JOHN H. SHARY SUBDIVISION, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO R-1 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4183 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A RESTAURANT ON PROPERTY ZONED C-2, 1233 E. GRIFFIN PARKWAY, LOT 1, AND THE S. 25’ OF LOT 2, BLOCK 1, BEL-AIRE HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

ORDINANCE NO. 4184

ORDINANCE NO. 4185 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR A DRIVE-THRU SERVICE WINDOW – BANANA LEAF JAROCHO’S RESTAURANT, 3604 N. CONWAY BLVD., .63 ACRE TRACT OUT OF LOT 30-7, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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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.

ORDINANCE NO. 4186 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – DAI TUNG RESTAURANT, 2402 BROCK ST., SUITE A, LOTS 22 & 23, SHARY BUSINESS CENTER SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO DISCUSS THE LA JOYA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Texas Academic Performance Report The La Joya Independent School District will hold a Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2015 in the La Joya ISD Board Room located at 200 West Expressway 83, La Joya, Texas.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the La Joya Independent School District’s Texas Academic Performance Report.

miscellaneous

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ORDINANCE NO. 4187 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT RENEWAL FOR THE SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – EVERA RESTAURANT & BAR, 4001 S. SHARY ROAD, STE. 100, LOT 1, TECH CENTER NO. 2 SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015..

Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on January 26, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: The S. 2.5 acres of Lot 22, New Caledonia Unit No. 3 Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (C-3) General Business If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on January 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: Rezoning: A .87 acre tract of land out of the North 600’ of the South 1016’ out of Lot 282, John H. Shary Subdivision & A .97 acre tract of land out of the North 600’ of the South 1016’ of the East 330’ of Lot 282, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-1A) Large Lot Single Family, and Rezoning: 7.765 acres out of Lot 296, and out of an Abandoned canal ROW, John H. Shary Subdivision, from (AO-I) Agricultural Open Interim to (R-1) Single Family Residential If a zoning is amended during the public hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Statement. Anyone interested is invited to attend.

Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

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PRODUCT COSTUMES from pg 1

repeat and lose sleep until the contest is done, but they said it’s worth it to see the finished product.

“It is a lot of work to be able to do it and balance everything else,” Olivarez said. “I have a full day of work, other responsibilities, and I do a lot of volunteer work so any extra time that I have I’m eating oranges or cutting them up. It’s a labor of love.”

Contestants can attend workshops where they learn techniques to assemble the agricultural products on the clothing. Olivarez and Joann Olvera entered the contest four years ago and picked up tricks of the trade along the way, but they still find themselves experiencing mishaps with the process.

Their first year, they allowed their models to bustle around while in costume and didn’t realize the product would fall off. It wasn’t until later they noticed the veteran competitors standing still so as to not lose the produce.

Part of the process is learning what glue works best. Designers can have entire costumes glued, but they fall apart once they are lifted, causing the products to mix together, wasting hours of work.

But the ladies are resourceful.

“Even if it mixes, you save it as a different color,” Olvera said. “Instead of throwing it away, you put it together, burn it and make it black. That way I don’t misuse anything. Somewhere along the line I’ll use it.”

And even when an allmighty, all-sticking glue is found, it could take a turn

for the worse, like the time when an entire costume shrunk after the adhesive dried.

Olvera and Olivarez

ELECTION CONTEST

and he was later paid $60 by Garza.

Ruiz receives disability benefits, and during his testimony, Peña emphasized that Garza, while a La Joya ISD board member, is also executive director of the La Joya Housing Authority, which provides Ruiz funding for Section 8 housing. Peña said, in effect, Garza is Ruiz’s landlord.

At the beginning of his testimony, Ruiz said his Facebook account was hacked. He didn’t know anything about the conversation, but after the lunch break, Peña asked him if he wanted to change his testimony.

“On this past testimony that I said my Facebook was hacked, that’s not true,” Ruiz confessed. “I did it. The statements are true.”

“Did anyone tell you to answer a certain way?” Peña asked.

“No. I changed my mind because I don’t want to lose my Social Security benefits and I don’t want to be in a state jail,” Ruiz responded.

He admitted he received payment from Garza for helping at the party’s campsite outside the polling location during early voting and on Election Day. He also said he’d received payment for work from La Joya Mayor Fito Salinas, who Ruiz said also is a Team Liberty supporter.

But Ruiz held firm on denying comments Peña said Ruiz gave to Peña’s investigator, Robert Caples, two weeks ago, specifically that Ruiz assisted school district

laughed as they relived the tale of the shrunken garment, simulating measurements with their arms and hands. employees in the voting booth. He also said he did not tell them they needed to vote for their bosses. Ruiz testified that he did not know if his interview with Caples was recorded.

Peña asked to submit the audio to the court in order to impeach Ruiz’s testimony, but Hinojosa objected, stating that he requested all audio recordings that would be used in the trial, and he did not receive it. He accused Peña of attempting to submit new evidence “under the guise of impeachment.”

Peña argued he didn’t know he would need it because he didn’t know Ruiz would deny what he allegedly told Caples.

Dorsey refused to allow the audio, though he previously allowed Peña to submit two Facebook printouts over Hinojosa’s same objections.

Also taking the stand Wednesday was one of the mailmen, Noe Olvera, accused of selling lists of addresses of voters who receive mail-in ballots.

Hinojosa protested Olvera’s testimony, stating that the allegations involving the mailmen mostly involve the Mission and sheriff election.

And Ricardo Salinas, attorney for Olvera said, “I think my client has been suspended from his current employment right now, and there is an ongoing investigation right now that could lead to some kind of criminal complaint.

“I think it would be hard for me to recommend that he testify.”

“There’s a lot of funny mishaps that happen to all of us, but we know now so we use stronger product or we use better methods,” Olivarez said. “We’ve been doing it for four years and it’s a lot of fun.”

Even though their skills have improved throughout the years and they try their best to take home one of the cash prizes, they participate simply because they revel in the excitement.

“I never win, but that’s OK because I love it. It’s fun and it’s something that I came into and I cannot Peña argued that asserting the Fifth Amendment does not mean the witness doesn’t have to at least take the stand, and Olvera was allowed to testify.

As Peña ran through a list of questions, Olvera’s attorney, Ricardo Salinas stood behind him, tapping him on the shoulder and whispering to him, prompting him to answer repeatedly with, “Under the advice of my lawyer, I will not answer that question under my Fifth Amendment right.”

Olvera did state that he is a mailman in Mission who has been on paid administrative leave since Nov. 17.

He did not answer whether he knew Johnn Alaniz, whether he worked in polling locations for Team Liberty or if he knew Hidrogo. Olvera also said he could not identify two documents filed with handwritten addresses that Peña alleged Olvera gave to Hidrogo.

J.J. Peña sat on the first row in the audience through most of the hearing, but left minutes before Javier Peña, no relation, asked to call him to the stand. Javier Peña asked that a deputy be sent to find the school board member, but Hinojosa objected, saying J.J. Peña had not been subpoenaed. Javier Peña argued as a defendant, J.J. Peña and the others should be present to defend themselves.

“I’m not going to do that,” Dorsey said to Javier Peña’s request to send a deputy. And later, when Peña surmised that J.J. Peña left to

January 16, 2015

leave it now,” Olvera said.

“It’s really nice to go in and make your little creation and you’re proud of it.”

Even though Rosie Olivarez had to restart the project, lose more sleep and eat more oranges, she was determined to finish what she set out to do.

“It really is a lot of hard work but the end result is so amazing because you know that what you did, you did with a lot of patience, dedication and a lot of love,” Olivarez said. “I’m excited.

I’m exhausted, but I’m excited.” from pg 1

avoid having to testify, Dorsey said, “Well, maybe he’ll return.”

Alaniz and Garza also were called, and they, too, were absent.

The hearing ended with testimony from Elections Administrator Yvonne Ramon, who verified documents requested from the county. Ramon also was asked to bring in the 4,000 mail-in ballots submitted in the 2014 election Thursday morning.

Ramon also testified that 587 mail-in ballots were requested in La Joya ISD’s election and 373 were counted. She also stated it’s up to the voters themselves to decide to whether they are unable to vote without assistance.

“Federal law does not allow for a poll worker to make a determination as to the need of the voter,” Ramon said.

After Ramon’s testimony, the court recessed until Thursday morning, after the Progress Times’ print deadline.

During last week’s pretrial hearing Dorsey recalled overseeing an election contest from La Joya ISD two years ago. In that case, he ruled against the plaintiffs.

In election contests, they must show clear and convincing evidence, Dorsey said, that votes were erroneously counted or erroneously thrown out, violating election code.

“The burden of proof is high for the plaintiffs,” Dorsey said.