January 23, 2015 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

Friday, January 23, 2015

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Attorney alleges corrupt La Joya ISD election

By Julie Silva here were dirty postmen, illegal votes and employees intimidated to “vote for your bosses” during La Joya ISD’s November election, if everything alleged during an election contest hearing last week is proven true. Javier Peña, representing members of The Diamond Pack slate, which opposed the three incumbents that compose the Team Liberty slate, filed the election contest days after the votes were tallied, citing audio and video of campaign work-

ers for Team Liberty paying two postmen to give them addresses of residents with mail-in ballots. The lawsuit also alleges voters were improperly assisted at the voting booths. At the end of the twoday hearing on the election contest in which The Diamond Pack asked for a new election, Gilberto Hinojosa, attorney for Team Liberty said he hadn’t heard enough evidence to overturn a single vote. Earlier in the hearing, Hinojosa objected to allowing one of the postal carriers accused of helping Team Liberty to take the stand.

Peña did not give Hinojosa an address for the mailman prior to the hearing, Hinojosa argued. Peña stated they’d been trying to find the mailman and only found an address for him that week. The judge sided with Hinojosa, barring the postal worker from testifying. “At the very beginning, he pled that there should be a new election because the mail-in ballots were illegally obtained through the dirty postmen that he claimed occurred,” Hinojosa later argued. “Golly, if that guy was going to testify to that, I sure … would have gone out there

and put the right address and found him from day one because he was going to prove my case in a very big way.” In his closing argument, Hinojosa repeatedly asked for sanctions against Peña. “At the end of the day, this whole explosion of corruption that he represented was going to be shown to you in this trial petered away into nothing,” Hinojosa said. But Peña countered that he offered plenty of evidence, only the court didn’t accept all of it. On the first day of court, Judge J. Bonner Dorsey would not allow Peña’s key witness, Yolanda

ROYAL FAMILY

Hidrogo to testify. Hinojosa had objected to Hidrogo’s testimony, stating he wasn’t given Hidrogo’s address prior to the hearing, so he couldn’t talk to the witness prior to Wednesday. Peña argued that Hidrogo was paid by Team Liberty, so they should know how to find her. According to an affidavit obtained by Peña, Hidrogo saw a member of Team Liberty give cash to a mailman. When Hidrogo was barred from testifying, so was a statement outlining what she said she saw as a worker under Team Liberty. The judge’s decision also

kept Peña from submitting the video and audio he said Hidrogo gathered. Repeatedly throughout the two-day trial, Peña expressed frustration at not being able to submit certain documents or put a witness on the stand. Dorsey also rejected Peña’s request for testimony by Robert Caples, a private investigator for Peña who interviewed Hidrogo and Jose Gilberto (Ruiz) Hernandez (who Peña alleged improperly assisted voters at the poll). Caples wasn’t on the wit-

See ELECTION CONTEST 9

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

Hailey, Amanda and Ashley Tijerina prepare for the 78th Texas Citrus Fiesta where they will see the youngest sister Amanda represent her title as Princess of Lime Blossom. All three have earned a princess title for the fiesta, with Hailey as Princess of Tangerine in 2011 and Ashley as Princess Anna in 2008.

Mission sisters carry on princess legacy

By Lea Victoria Juarez hen 6-year-old Amanda Leal Tijerina is honored as a princess in the Texas Citrus Fiesta this year, she will be carrying on a family tradition, following in the footsteps of her two older sisters. The Princess of Lime Blossom will don her viridescent gown for the 78th Citrus Fiesta, where she’ll sit on a float for the town to see. The oldest sibling, Ashley Tijerina, now 13, was named Princess Anna in her time. She admitted that she doesn’t

“Never think that you can’t do it because you can do anything in life.” – Hailey Tijerina remember much about her reigning year, but even at the time knew that it was an honor to be crowned. “I remember saying that I wanted to be Princess Anna because being a princess to me was the world,” Ashley said. “I would watch princess movies when I was younger and I always wanted to be one.” The middle sibling, 10-year-old Hailey Tijerina, watched Ashley sit on the

throne and had it set in her mind that she, too, would achieve the same goal. And she did when she became the Princess of Tangerine Blossom for the 2011 Fiesta. The citrus celebration runs in their family, according to mother Amy Tijerina. Her grandparents worked the fiesta, and although Amy was never part of the royal court, she taught her daughters what it means to be a part of the notable event.

“My grandmother always wanted her grandchildren to be a part of this because she worked for the Citrus. She saw the meaning and how Citrus is a part of the city,” Amy said. “My grandmother never got to see any of us do that, but I’m glad to say that she is still alive and she cried when she saw that all my three girls won. So she also got her dream to see her great-grandchildren.” The younger siblings echoed their predecessor’s sentiments about the princess

See ROYAL FAMILY 12

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.

INSIDE

INDEX

Accelerating toward success

Neighborhood Walmart opens doors

Lions plan benefit concert

UTPA Society of Physics Students visit Palmview High School for an all-day STEM event with hands-on activities.

Local leaders and MCISD students celebrate the opening of a grocery store at the corner of Bryan Road and Business 83.

Proceeds of the event will go toward the Texas Lions Camp for children with physical disabilities.

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Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 6

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 11

entertainment RGV Concert Band: 17 years keeping the beat The Rio Grande Valley Concert Band 2014-2015 season is in full swing. With two concerts “under their belts,” the 60-plus members are gearing up for a busy February and March with six scheduled concerts. The band typically performs every other Sunday afternoon during their concert season. This year they will also be part of the Lion’s Club Camp Fundraiser for Children. The RGV Band is a unique combination of retirees and non-retirees. Some are fulltime Valley residents, but many are Winter Texans. Or-

ganized in 1997 with their first concert in February, 1998, the band recently recognized five of the charter members who are playing in their seventeenth season. They are Harry Bardo (trombone), Glen Johnson (trumpet), Hartley Brown (clarinet), Em Laskey (flute and piccolo) and Gary Meidt (trumpet and director). Others quickly followed and by December in 1998 the band membership had increased to53. Presently about one-third of the members have joined since 2008. The shared love of music has been the glue that has kept the band together. All members

are volunteers ranging in age from the 40s to 80-plus. The band has been able to maintain a balanced instrumentation enabling it to perform a wide variety of concert literature. The flute and percussion sections could use additional players. Contact Gene Goede at 682-9225 to discuss membership. The concert line-up begins this Sunday, Jan. 25, at Orange Grove RV Park in Edinburg. Other Sunday concerts are as follows: Feb. 1, Alamo Palms Park; Feb. 8, Casa Del Sol MH/RV Resort, Donna; Feb. 22, Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission; March 8,

widely known, even for those not familiar with the movie. The catchy and gleeful march will open the concert. Wong will follow this lighthearted performance and perform the violin solos of the passionate Butterfly Lovers Concerto. This piece, composed in collaboration by Chinese composers Cheng Gang and He Zhanhao, is based on the Eastern legend by the same name. The violin concerto features many features of Chinese music, including melodic scales, and instrumental techniques. After intermission, the

orchestra begins with a suite of Hollywood blockbuster soundtracks by the famous American composer, James Horner. Horner has composed some of the most memorable movie scores in recent movie history: Bravehart, Apollo 13, Start Trek II and III, Cocoon, Legends of the Fall, The Mask of Zorro, Avatar and The Amazing Spiderman. Among his famous compositions, none remains as popular as Titanic, the best-selling orchestral film soundtrack of all time. The movie music excerpts will be followed by two com-

McAllen Mobile Park; and March 15, Paradise Park, Pharr. All Sunday concerts begin at 3 p.m. The one Friday concert, a fundraiser for the Lion’s Club Camp, begins at 7 p.m. at Trinity Worship Center in Pharr.

POPS concert travels ‘Broadway to Hollywood’

cALLEN – The Valley Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Pops Concert, “From Broadway to Hollywood,” on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the McAllen Civic Center Auditorium from 8 to 10 p.m. The Symphony will perform memorable tunes from the stage and the screen, as well as the beautiful Butterfly Lovers Concerto by violinist and VSO Concert Master Geoffrey Wong. The famous whistling tune from the movie “Bridge on the River Kwai,” also known as “Colonel Bogey March” is

posers who wrote music for the stage: Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Phantom of the Opera and Leonard Bernstein’s Prelude, Riff, and Fugue. Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra will close the concert. Britten was among the composers of the 20th century that were most concerned with youth and music education. Incorporating a tune from British composer Henry Purcell, Britten, introduces the instruments of the symphony orchestra by families, in different combinations, and in a dramatic tutti that will close this concert of popular music with excitement.

See POPS CONCERT 3

Douglas Clark to lead sculpting workshops

ign up is underway with the Upper Valley Art League for a series of sculpting workshop series with Douglas Clark, professor at the University of Texas-RGV. Classes with Clark fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. Known for numerous sculptures around the Valley, Clark’s sculptures can be seen at the McAllen Police Department, the Veteran’s War Memorial, Mission’s La Lomita Plaza, Mission City Hall, Quinta Mazatlan and more. Classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. in the UVAL shop adjacent to the ArtLink. The start date will be announced at a later time. No experience is necessary to participate, and class members will be sculpting from a live model while learning how to observe the human form and interpret it in clay. Materials and tools will be furnished, and cost is $150 for UVAL members and $180 for nonmembers. UVAL is located at 921 E. 12th St. in Mission. Call 583-2787 to register or stop by during regular gallery hours to sign up.

January 23, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

January 24 · The Mission CISD Honor Band concert will be held at 4:30 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial High School Fine Arts Auditorium. This special concert features the district’s outstanding high school and junior high school musicians from across the school district. The concert is free and open to the public. · Valley RC car enthusiasts will head to the Fountains of Peñitas, 304 19th St. in Peñitas, for a remote controlled car race on the park’s obstacle-filled, 720foot racetrack. Races begin at noon, and approximately 60 “drivers” with their cars are expected to race. Concession stands will be open and hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at noon and throughout the races. The general public is invited to come out and watch the races. 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 29 · The opening reception of “Human Expressions” by Alfredo Alcalde will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana in McAllen. Alcalde is a Peruvian artist that brings his unique sense of light and form to emotional images of his colorful homeland. He attended the School of Fine Arts of Lima and was a disciple of Latin-American artists Victor Humareda, Francisco Izquierdo and Guzmán Manzaneda. The reception is included in the price of general admission and is free for IMAS members. Call 682-1564 for information. January 30 · The Mission Historical Museum presents “Mission Historical Icon: The Life of Dr. Cleo Dawson-Smith” in a program by the people who knew her.A special screening

of the original film will be shown at the historic Border Theater, 905 N. Conway Ave. in Mission at 1 p.m. A reception and exhibit opening will follow at the museum at 4 p.m. Free tickets for the screening of the film are available at the museum. Registration is required to receive a ticket. For more information, call the museum at 956-580-8646 or go online at missionmuseum.org. January 31 · They’re back! The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their B-ball game on back to State Farm Arena in Hidalgo this month. Doors open at 2 p.m. and all the action, laughter and skills hit the floor at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $17 to $84 and are available at ticketmaster.com or by call 800745-3000. February 1 · The Senior Ambassadors will perform at Oleander Acres in Mission at 7 p.m. February 6 • Texas Lions Camp Benefit Concert featuring the Rio Grande Valley Concert Band, Swing Street Big Band and the Senior Ambassadors will be held at 7 p.m. at Trinity Worship Center, Pharr. Admission, $7. Tickets may be purchased at the Winter Texan Times office at 1217 N. Conway Ave., Mission. Tickets also available at Bentsen Grove Resort, Mission; Alamo Rose RV, Alamo; Tropic Star RV, Pharr; and Winter Ranch RV, Alamo; or from Mission Lions Club members. Doors open at 6 p.m. 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.

January 23, 2015

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Pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Walmart Neighborhood Market are, left to right, Mission City Manager Martin Garza, Councilwoman Jessica Ortega-Ochoa, Mayor Pro Tem Armando O’Caña and Store Manager Jesse Ruiz.

Neighborhood Market opens its doors

By Julie Silva almart Neighborhood Market opened its doors to much fanfare Wednesday morning with city leaders, local students and eager shoppers in attendance. The market, about onefifth the size of a typical Walmart Supercenter, is one of three of its kind in the Valley. However, 115 stores are set to open nationwide this month and Wednesday, alone, 15 markets opened across the state. “Walmart created a whole

new division,” said Raul Santos, market manager. “They are really committed to providing this size stores in communities that need this type of facility – a big investment, but the need is coming from our customers.” Santos added that another market is scheduled to open on Dove Avenue in McAllen in June. Walmart markets feature a full grocery store and pharmacy. Mission City Manager Martin Garza said he hopes Walmart becomes an anchor for development in the area and praised the corporation

for bringing communities together. Of the three stores now open in the area, Garza said, “I hope that this is the best one in the whole entire Valley.” Walmart gave out $8,000 in community grants to the Mission Police Department, Mission Fire Department, Mission Boys and Girls Club, Bryan Elementary, Speer Memorial Library, the National Butterfly Center and the Rio Grande Children’s Home. The Mission market will employ 95 full- and part-time employees. Jesse Ruiz is the store manager.

Texas Lions Camp offers a wide range of activities adapted for children with physical disabilities, Type I Diabetes or cancer. Courtesy photo

Benefit concert planned for Texas Lions Camp

hree musical groups will come together to perform a special concert at Trinity Worship Center in Pharr on Friday, Feb. 6. Rio Grande Valley Concert Band, Swing Street Swing Band and the Senior Ambassadors will perform a benefit concert for the Texas Lions Camp (TLC) for children with physical disabilities. The bands and chorus are donating their services for the children. TLC is a camp for children with disabilities where counselors are assigned at almost a one-to-one ratio, often matching the specific needs of the campers to the skills of the counselors. For nearly 60 years, TLC has provided more than 50,000 Texas children with physical disabilities a place to spend a week during the summer to participate in fun and challenging activities, to meet and make friends and, more importantly, to accomplish things they never thought possible. Many children between the ages of seven and 16 with disabilities qualify for one of their nine camps throughout the summer. Disabilities

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Tickets range from $25 to $45 and can be purchased at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office at the corner of Expressway 83 and Ware Rd. on weekdays or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Senior, student and group discounts are available by calling the VSO Box Office at 661-1615 two weeks prior to concert for special accommodations.

served by the camp include absence or amputation of limbs, asthma, blindness, birth defects, burns, cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, deafness, diabetes, dwarfism, epilepsy, Lupus, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, scoliosis, sickle cell anemia, spina bifida, partial paralysis and more. According to Trish Wilson, TLC director of development, when parents “are concentrating on meeting medical bills, it’s nice to know they can send their kids to a quality facility with quality programming, quality medical care, at no cost.” TLC CEO Stephen Mabry said the Mission Lions Club has been a major contributor to TLC for many years. The Mission club has given more than $340,000 over the past 17 years and prior to that the

club donated $50,000 a year. Tickets for the Texas Lions Camp Benefit Concert cost $7 and may be purchased at the Winter Texan Times at 1217 N. Conway, Mission, or from any Mission Lions Club member. Tickets are also available at the activities office of the following RV resorts: Bentsen Grove RV, Mission; Tropic Star RV, Pharr; Winter Ranch RV, Alamo; and Alamo Rose RV, Alamo. Each group will perform a program of about 30 minutes each. The program begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Trinity Worship Center is located at 4801 N. Cage Blvd, Pharr, just north of Nolana on the southbound access road of Exp. 281. For information, call Jim Brunson at the Winter Texan Times at 956-580-7800.

Reminiscing... 30 Years Ago This Week

Ninth Street was changed to Laguna Seca Street Mission City Council made the temporary change at the request of Mayor Fernando Ortegon in recognition of a pioneer Mission family. Carlos De Leon filed for City, Place 1 De Leon, a local businessman, had lived in Mission for five years and was a graduate of Commonwealth College of Funeral Services. “I run as an independent candidate whose desire is to help alleviate these problems that have been plaguing the city for the past several years,” De Leon said. There was a ‘major’ drug bust The first major result of Mission Crime Stoppers was recorded when Mission police officers arrested three people and confiscated 300 pounds of marijuana and $39,000 cash. Police Chief Victor Pagan-Levy headed the operation in a condominium complex in the 1200 block of North Mayberry.

opinion By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

USTIN — Gov. Rick Perry delivered his farewell address to a joint session of the House and Senate on Jan. 15. Before recounting various aspects of the state’s performance during his record-breaking tenure as chief executive, Perry said, “I have come here to reflect on what we have done together, and to say farewell. But most of all, to tell you it has been the highest of honors to serve as your governor for the last 14 years.” Perry painted a picture of Texas “as a land of unlimited opportunity” with mentions of such items as job growth, the booming oil and gas industry, various other economic drivers, fiscal management, education and public safety. “While some still struggle in the shadows of opportunity, we have created tremendous possibilities for millions of Texans. While the rest of the nation has lost middle class jobs, Texas has created them,” Perry said. He also reminded the audience of challenges recently faced, such as “the disintegration of the Space Shuttle Columbia, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike, devastating wildfires, the spread of Ebola and a humanitarian crisis at the border.” Wrapping up, Perry said, “I couldn’t pick a better successor as governor than (former Texas Attorney General) Greg Abbott. And he couldn’t have two better partners to lead this state than (Lieutenant Governor and former Senator) Dan Patrick and (House Speaker) Joe Straus. As I bid farewell, I know the future is in good hands.” Straus reelected as speaker State Rep. Joe Straus,

R-San Antonio, was elected to a fourth consecutive term as speaker of the Texas House of Representatives on Jan. 13, opening day of the 84th Texas Legislature. The vote was 128-19 in favor of Straus. The 19 votes were for second-term state Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, a businessman and former National Football League player. Revenue estimate is given Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar on Jan. 12 released the state’s Biennial Revenue Estimate, necessary information for Texas lawmakers to craft a state budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017. The 94-page document shows the state is projected to have some $113 billion in revenue available for general-purpose spending during the 2016-2017 biennium. State revenue from all sources is estimated at $221 billion for the next biennium, a total that includes $110 billion in federal receipts and other income. State government begins with a projected $7.5 billion ending balance from the current biennium and that amount is added to the estimated $110 billion in projected general revenue-related collections from taxes, fees and other income over the course of the 201617 biennium. And, about $5 billion will be set aside for transfers to the Rainy Day Fund and State Highway Fund. The resulting $113 billion represents the estimated revenue available to the Legislature for general purpose spending in the next biennium, according to the comptroller’s office. Hegar noted, “The significant drop in oil prices in recent months will likely lead

to a marked slowdown in oil exploration and production. This slowdown will dampen overall economic growth in Texas. However,” he added, “in addition to the economic boost felt by Texas motorists as a result of lower gasoline prices, there are industries in Texas’ diverse economy such as transportation and some manufacturing that will benefit from lower energy prices. This, coupled with continued strength in construction, professional services and other sectors of the broader economy, should somewhat counterbalance a slowdown in the energy sector.” Donate Life program grows Texas Department of Public Safety on Jan. 14 announced that in 2014 nearly 1.4 million people added their names to the Glenda P. Dawson Donate Life Texas Registry, the database “of individuals who have officially indicated their decisions to donate organs and tissue to benefit thousands of people currently awaiting transplants.” DPS Director Steven McCraw said, “Every person who selflessly elects to register as a donor has the potential to save another individual’s life.” In 2014 a record 226 registered donors made nearly 800 transplants possible and currently, more than 13,600 individuals are awaiting organ or tissue transplants in Texas alone, according to the group Donate Life Texas. Three organ and tissue recovery agencies: LifeGift, Southwest Transplant Alliance and Texas Organ Sharing Alliance participate in the registry along with the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

January 23, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

UT Chancellor on visit to South Texas

By Bill McRaven UT System Chancellor

his week I traveled to Brownsville, Edinburg and Harlingen for a series of very enlightening meetings with administrative, faculty, staff and student leaders of the new University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, including its medical school. I was awestruck by the exceptional quality, speed and extraordinary diligence and detail with which the institution is taking shape, as well as the cohesiveness and determination of all involved to open the doors of what may be the nation’s second largest Hispanic-serving in-

stitution, only seven months from now. Having had the opportunity to see this great work in progress, I must pause and offer sincere thanks to the Texas Legislature, the UT System Board of Regents, Chancellor Cigarroa and the entire South Texas community for their vision and foresight to do something so grand and unprecedented for Texas and the nation. When one thinks of the potential of this institution to transform lives, the outcomes will be immeasurable and will have impact in ways that we cannot even begin to fathom. I am pleased to announce that everything is on sched-

ule. UTRGV will open on time for the 2015 fall semester, and all new students as well as those currently enrolled at UT Pan American and UT Brownsville will be able to enroll in UTRGV as planned. We remain focused on completing an orderly windup of affairs of UTPA and UTB and look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of these two great institutions. The UT System is also committed to standing with and assisting Texas Southmost College in the months ahead as it completes the required processes to receive its independent accreditation.

Sens. Cornyn, Wyden, Kirk, Klobuchar push to crack down on human traffickers

.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) last week introduced the bipartisan Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which would empower law enforcement to further crack down on human traffickers while bringing about greater restitution and justice for victims. In addition to law enforcement provisions, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act helps victims rebuild their lives by using fines and penalties against perpetrators to improve the availability of restitution and witness assistance funds. “We need to do everything we can to crack down on human traffickers and bring an end to these terrible crimes, and the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act will provide law enforcement with the tools to do so, while also lending victims a helping hand,” Sen. Cornyn said. “This is a nationwide problem, and it’s great to have Republicans and Democrats join forces to address this important issue head-on.”

“Child sex trafficking is a scourge that must come to an end and I’m pleased to be part of this bipartisan and necessary legislation,”Sen. Wyden said. “This legislation will help local authorities better identify at-risk children while strengthening services that assist – and protect – children who are victims of sex trafficking. It also provides much needed funding for cash-starved programs that provide victim services.” Among other provisions, the legislation would take the following steps to curb human trafficking: •Create a deficit-neutral “Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund,” financed through fines on related crimes, which the Attorney General can use to enhance support programs for victims of human trafficking and child pornography. This fund is deficit neutral and will increase federal resources available for domestic human trafficking victim support by up to $30 million. •Create a new grant program to help states and local governments develop victim-centered programs to res-

cue victims, prosecute human traffickers, and restore the lives of victims. This grant program will be funded entirely through the “Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund” created by the bill. •Prioritizes victim restoration and witness assistance for trafficking survivors by directing the proceeds of forfeited criminal assets to pay victim restitution orders and fund financial awards for witnesses who come forward and assist law enforcement. •Allow for the use of cutting-edge investigative tools in state and local human trafficking investigations. • Protects victims and witnesses by requiring human traffickers to be treated as violent criminals for purposes of pre-trial release and detention pending judicial proceedings. •Reduces demand for human trafficking by clarifying current law encouraging law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and juries to target and punish the buyers and purchasers of trafficking victims the same as all other human traffickers.

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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.

January 23, 2015

La Joya, Peñitas settle ETJ By Julie Silva eñitas and La Joya are nearing an end to a 10year dispute over their extraterritorial jurisdiction. At a recent La Joya meeting, city leaders agreed to a map dividing the two cities, at least on a macro level.

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An attorney for La Joya said adjustments still need to be made to individual properties that were split in half in the agreement. If a property falls more into the La Joya side than Peñitas, it will be counted as La Joya and vice versa. The goal is not to cut any properties in half.

“I’ve been here 16 years, and since the beginning there were already negotiations with the previous mayors and the previous city managers to follow a line, so in the future there would be no ifs, ands or buts,” Alaniz said. Alaniz said the issue dates back when Billy Leo

was mayor of La Joya and a gentlemen’s agreement was made with then Peñitas Mayor Servando Ramirez. Then Peñitas development to the north prospered. The city also had a strong developer in Jerry Bell, who voluntarily annexed a lot of acreage, Alaniz said. La Joya, meanwhile was landlocked by several families who owned property surrounding the city, and those families saw no need for development in the near future. Also, Peñitas moved from a general C designation, which has more restrictions under state, to a home-rule charter, which allows cities to acquire more property through annexation. La Joya didn’t become a home-rule city until 2013. “The city of Peñitas has been very fortunate in regards to their development because they were able to acquire northern territory,” Alaniz said. La Joya city leaders have been working with Peñitas Mayor Tony Flores to bring the issue to a close, Alaniz said, adding that they have been able to settle their differences. The dividing line is about a half-mile west of Tom Gill Road, Alaniz said. The neighborhoods of Tierra Blanca and Pueblo de Palmas will be under the Peñitas ETJ. Peñitas City Manager Oscar Cuellar said he’s just ready to put the matter behind him, and he agreed that no properties should be split, though some subdivisions would be split between the two jurisdictions. Now, Alaniz plans to meet with the La Joya City Commission about future annexation plans. They have their eyes focused northwest of the city, where the Texas Department of Transportation is planning to construct a loop. “It’s definitely a relief knowing that we don’t have to be dealing with these type of issues,” Alaniz said. “We definitely have to start looking for our future development and future growth.”

La Joya police chief resigns

By Julie Silva a Joya Police Chief Geovani Hernandez resigned Friday, Jan. 16, effective immediately after a year on the job. City Manager Mike Alaniz said Hernandez first approached him about stepping down a month ago and Alaniz was hoping the chief would fulfill his year commitment. Hernandez, who has twice made a run for Hidalgo County sheriff, plans to concentrate on personal business opportunities and his political career. He’s planning a third campaign for sheriff in 2016. “It was sad to see him leave because we wish him the best,” Alaniz said. Lt. Raymond Gonzalez has been named interim chief in the wake of Hernandez’s

Geovani Hernandez

absence, and Alaniz said the city would hold off on naming a permanent chief. Alaniz said Gonzalez has a college degree and, if given the opportunity, would reassess the department. “We’re most definitely going to give him all the support,” Alaniz said.

Deputy U.S. Marshal pleads guilty to wire fraud

eynaldo Gonzalez, 38, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Gonzalez is a deputy U.S. Marshal in San Antonio who was previously assigned to the Southern District of Texas. He is currently on administrative leave. Before joining the U.S. Marshals, Gonzalez was a Mission police officer. Gonzalez was charged in April 2014. He was set to begin trial next week, but opted to plead guilty Wednesday. Gonzalez purchased an accident-only insurance plan commonly known as supplemental insurance and designed to mitigate expenses incurred by policyholders during injuries that are not otherwise covered by major medical insurance. As part of his plea, Gonzalez admitted that on or about March 24, 2009, he faxed a claim form containing false and fraudulent information to his insurance company, indicating he had been exam-

ined by a physician for ankle pain four days prior. To accomplish the fraud, Gonzalez used a physician’s signature and tax identification number without the physician’s knowledge or consent. Gonzalez admitted that he was not, in fact, seen by this physician on that date. Further, the last time he was examined by this physician was actually in October 2007. U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez, who accepted the plea, has set sentencing for April 23, at which time he faces up to 20 years of federal imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

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lifestyle

Volunteers needed for EWBC Coastal Expo

olunteers are needed for this year’s Rio Grande Valley Coastal Expo at the Edinburg World Birding Center on Feb.12 to 13. Approximately 100 volunteers are needed to take on various duties for the 2500 children expected to participate in the two-day event. The focus of the RGV Coastal Expo is to schoolchildren about coastal ecology, outdoor adventure and South Texas wildlife through a variety of activities.

Volunteer shifts are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 11 to set up. Shifts for on Feb. 12 to 13 during the event are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and all day. Helpers to take down the exhibit are needed from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and lunch. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. To sign up, call Monica Barrera at 381-9922 or email mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com.

Mission High School students (left to right) Oscar Salinas, Xavier Alonzo and Frankie Chaires will perform with the Texas All-State Mixed Choir in San Antonio at the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association clinic/convention. They were chosen for this honor through a competitive process held this year across the state at District, Region, and Area levels. This is the second year Chaires and Alonzo have earned positions in a TMEA All-State Choir. Chaires and Salinas are tenors. Alonzo sings bass.

January 23, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Registration begins for RGV Coastal Expo

DINBURG – The Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) and Texas Parks & Wildlife are again hosting the Rio Grande Valley Coastal Expo. Educators are invited to register their students for the exploratory event that will be held on February 12 and 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 2015 RGV Coastal Expo is a free educational, hands-on event that teaches children in grades first through sixth about coastal ecosystems, South Texas wildlife and outdoor adventures. The event brings the coast, its ecology and the unique aspects of the Texas

coast and river basin to the youth through hands-on stations, nature walks and skills training. Individual classrooms or entire grade levels can be registered. Teachers interested in more information, or who are ready to register their class, should contact Lily Cruz at lcruz@cityofedinburg.com or 381-9922. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. More information on the 2015 RGV Coastal Expo can be found on our website at www.edinburgwbc.org. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd.

Take the plunge for Special Olympics

page 6

ISSION – This year’s annual Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) Polar Plunge takes place at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill on Saturday, Jan. 31. The public is encouraged to dare their friends, grab a costume and brace for a chilly dip in the cold water at South Padre Island. Register today with a team or as an individual. All registration fees include a T-shirt. Individuals and teams who raise more money than the minimum registration fee will receive other commemorative incentives, including a long-sleeved T-shirt, baseball cap, beach

towel and a duffel bag based on each donation level they meet. All plunge proceeds support Special Olympics Texas athletes in the Rio Grande Valley. Walk-up registration will also be held on the day of the event, beginning at 11 a.m., and the Plunge takes place at 12 p.m.. Awards will be presented for Best Costume, Individual Raising the Most Money and Team Raising the Most Money. Participants are encouraged to dress to impress. For more information or to volunteer, contact Gloria Cruz at gcruz@sotx.org, Lauro Garza at lgarza@sotx. org or call 630-3434.

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.

Events Calendar

Jan uary 23-24 – 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 583-3734. 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 3819922 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 6813333. Jan uary 24 – The Magic Valley Stamp Club will be holding their Annual Stamp Show from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fun & Sun RV Park, 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito. There will be stamp displays by club members with an opportunity to buy, sell and trade stamps and ask questions, Jan uary 27 – Speer Memorial Library will host a book discussion 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 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. 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 29 – Roy Rodriguez, Bentsen State Park naturalist, will present “A Closer Look at Winter Birds of South Texas” at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAlle. Rodriguez is a Natural Resource Interpreter, consultant and environmental educator involved in numerous regional birding and conservation endeavors. The program fee is $3 per person. For more information, call 681-3370. Jan uary 31 – Children can help design enrichment activities for Gladys Porter Zoo animals during the next Saturday Safari, “Do Animals Play?” Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10 a.m. and end at 12 p.m. Zoo tour, arts & crafts, animal encounters and snacks are included in each class. Fee is $15 per child (ages 4 and up) or adult. To register, call 5489453 or download a registration form at www.gpz.org. Pre-registration is required.

February

Feb ruary 1 – The Tip of Texas Orchid Society will host Francisco Miranda in a presentation on Cattleya orchids at 2 p.m. at the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco. Miranda owns Miranda Orchids in Florida. Bare Root fragrant cattleyas will be available for sale. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 969-2475. Feb ruary 5 – Parents and children can create a dancing mobile sculpture using wire and paper 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.

See EVENTS 7

January 23, 2015

EVENTS from pg 6

Feb ruary 6 – “Turning of the Quilts” will be presented as part of the awards ceremony at the Eighth Annual Mission Quilt Show at the Mission Historical Museum at 2 p.m. Quilts are presented stacked on a bed, as each quilt is shown, it is turned down to reveal the next quilt and its individual story is told. The Mission Historical Museum is located at 900 Doherty. Admission is free. For more information, call 580-8646. Feb ruary 6 – The Mission Computer Club will meet at 10 a.m. in the Speer Memorial Library Community Room. All levels of users are welcome to attend, and meetings are free. Contact Edna Morales at the library at 580-8478 for more information. Feb ruary 6 – The Sixth Annual Mega Purse Event benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. 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 by contacting Philip Farias at 904-4513 or pfarias@foodbankrgv. com. 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. To see the complete Events Calendar for the coming weeks, go to www.ptrgv.com.

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UTPA physics society visits Palmview High

By Lea Victoria Juarez he Palmview Lobos had the opportunity to walk on water and experiment with liquid nitrogen at school on Jan. 15. With the help of the UTPA Society of Physics Students, the high school community participated in hands-on activities to better acquaint themselves with the STEM fields. Palmview High’s physics dual enrollment class partnered up with the University of Texas - Pan American for an all-day science, technology, engineering and mathematics event. UTPA students held 11 demonstrations throughout the gym and the high school students made their way around the stations, learning the function of each tool. One of the biggest crowd-pleasers was Non Newtonian Fluid, a pink liquid that was displayed inside a kiddie pool, but took on a

different form once the substance was disturbed. “What’s really cool about this fluid is that it acts as both a solid and a liquid,” SPS Historian Brenda Ramirez said. “When (the students) actually touch it, it turns into a solid when they’re moving it around. It has to do with the bonds and the molecules and the way they’re rearranging themselves.” Globs and flecks of pink were scattered throughout the gym and school grounds from students who attempted to handle the cornstarch and water-made substance. “It’s important to be exposed to these sorts of things. I think if I had that sort of exposure when I was younger, I would have shown more interest into the field at a younger age versus now that I’m older,” said Ramirez, a physical science major. “It took a while to realize that this is what I want to do. So this is just for (the students) to know that this is what is

out there.” American students are falling behind other nations in the STEM fields, with 26 industrialized nations performing higher in the maths and 19 industrialized nations in the sciences in 2012, according to the National Math and Science Initiative. The UTPA students understand the disparities between STEM graduates and non STEM graduates and have taken it upon themselves to show Valley students that science can be enjoyable too. The physics society travels throughout the RGV, hosting demos and spreading the scientific word. “It’s getting more people educated about what they can do in physics, what a career in physics is about, why it’s relevant, doing a lot of hands on things to make sure that it’s not just a boring mathematical kind of thing,” said Kareem Wahid, president of the UTPA society. “Kids should be open to learning

new things about science because there’s a lot that could inspire them.” In 2004, the dropout rate for Hispanics ages 16 to 24 was the highest among other ethnic groups with 24 percent. But La Joya ISD is giving kids a jump-start with the South Texas College physics dual enrollment course. Although there are few-

er than 10 students in the college-level class and fewer than 10 students in the advanced placement class, science teacher Portia Abad said her job is to inspire the kids, and in turn, have those students encourage others. “We wanted to bring physics awareness to the stu-

See UTPA 12

January 23, 2015

page 8

Huskies hoopsters hunting for turnaround T By Luciano Guerra

he Juarez-Lincoln Huskies basketball team is searching–searching for answers, searching for its identity and searching for its first district win. After their 51-41 home loss at the hands of the Mission Eagles Tuesday night, the search continues. With Mission leading 14-13 at the end of the first period, 24-18 at halftime and 33-25 at the end of the third period, Juarez-Lincoln fought an uphill battle all night despite having the home crowd on their side. Having fallen behind by 16 points with three minutes left in the game, the fact that Coach Eric Montalvo’s Huskies were able to cut the final deficit to 10 was someJuarez-Lincoln’s Cruz Mendoza goes in for a layup as Mission’s R. J. Diaz tries to block. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

what of a moral victory for Juarez-Lincoln. However, moral victories are not what Montalvo is seeking. “We made a couple of shots and had a couple of steals towards the end so that helped us to cut into their lead,” explained Montalvo. “We just couldn’t put the ball into the basket at times and that hurt us. You have to give credit to Mission though. They got after it defensively, which got us away from what we were trying to do. So, all the credit goes to them.” Just five games into their District 30-6A schedule, the Huskies still have time to turn things around. But Montalvo knows that doing so will not come easy. “It’s going to take hard work and persistence for us to turn this season around. It’s a long season so we’ve just got to keep grinding,” the seven-year head coach said. ”With only three seniors

Young Lady Eagles remain in playoff hunt W By Luciano Guerra

ith four freshmen and two sophomores on their varsity roster, the Mission Lady Eagles basketball team is in the midst of a youth movement. This movement bodes well for the future, but this year is challenging. As an example, Tuesday evening the Lady Eagles led Juarez-Lincoln at halftime, then they were tied at the end of the third period, but were outscored 17-10 in the fourth period to fall by a final score of 50-43. In her 27th year of coaching and her third at Mission, Rachel Carmona is optimistic about the team’s future. “We’re young and that makes it pretty exciting when it comes to building our pro-

gram,” said Carmona. “We have a great group of kids that are working hard every day and gaining experience, but… we are playing in spurts. The momentum changes and substitutions we had to deal with tonight…can be attributed to our youth and inexperience.” With an overall record of 460 wins against 178 losses during her 24 years at Edinburg and Hidalgo High Schools, Carmona assumed the head coaching position at Mission High two years ago with a very successful record. She knows how to build successful programs, and despite her squad’s current 2-5 district record, she believes the Lady Eagles are on the right path. “I think it’s going well,” Carmona said. “I think that the biggest change is go-

ing from 4A to 6A…. Also, we’ve had injuries to some of our key players along the way has hurt us.” The Juarez-Lincoln game was the first in the second round for Mission. Having suffered losses to the same Lady Huskies, McAllen Memorial, Palmview and Nikki Rowe in the first round while emerging victorious against only McAllen High and La Joya, will make a playoff run unlikely for the Lady Eagles. However, junior point guard/ shooting guard Emberly Garza is not ready to give up on her goal of helping lead the Lady Eagles into post-season play. “Everything is still up for grabs this season,” said Garza. “As a result of our slow start we’re just going to have to push harder to get a play-

off spot. Most of the players on this team have never been to the playoffs, so we would love to do that this year.” Tonight, Mission will be traveling to McAllen Memorial to play the Lady Mustangs. The Lady Eagles will then travel to McAllen High Tuesday. Mission’s next home game will be Friday, Jan. 30 against Palmview. All games are scheduled to start at 6 p.m. as part of girls/boys doubleheaders with the Eagles games scheduled to start at 7:30 each night. Mission’s Bianney Vasquez drives towards the basket as Juarez-Lincoln’s Maria Saldana defends during the Lady Huskies’ 50-43 win over the Lady Eagles Tuesday. Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

on the team, we are young, but like I’ve told the kids that is not an excuse for our not being able to put a complete game together. That’s what we need to do if we are going to chalk up a win,” added Montalvo. As one of the three seniors on the team, forward Yariel Matute is well aware that this is his final chance to be part of the first Huskies boys basketball team to qualify for the playoffs. Despite their 0-5 start, Matute has not given up on attaining that goal. “I’m still thinking playoffs,” said Matute. “I believe in our team. I think that we can beat anybody.” As one of the team captains Matute takes his role of team leader seriously. “I try to get after the younger players,” said Matute. “I remind them…that we have three seniors on the team and that this is our last chance to make the playoffs.

I also remind them that in a couple of years it will be their last year too.” In his second year on the Juarez-Lincoln varsity squad, junior guard Javier Arechiga, like Matute, is not yet ready to give up. “I believe that this team can win,” expressed Arechiga. “Our coach believes in us too. We have to reward him for that….” Arechiga is motivated to do whatever it takes to put the winless streak behind them. “It builds a fire inside of me that makes me want to win even more,” shared Arechiga. Tonight the Huskies will be traveling to La Joya High to play the Coyotes in their final opportunity to win a first-round game. They will then host the Nikki Rowe Warriors Tuesday as the second round of district play begins. Both games are scheduled to tip off at 7:30.

January 23, 2015

obituaries

Jose A. Balleza ISSION - Jose A. Balleza, 70, passed away on Jan. 18, 2015, at his home in Mission. Survivors include his wife Ofelia Balleza; children, Yolanda Salinas, Hugo Balleza and Ricardo Balleza; and seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 21 at St. John of the Fields Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission. Jorge Arnoldo Montero LTON - Jorge Arnoldo Montero, 37, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at his home in Alton. Mr. Montero was born on April 7, 1977, in Mission. Survivors include his parents, Nicolas Echartea and Aurelia (Rodriguez) Echartea; brother, Victor Echartea of South Bend, Ind.; sister: Veronica Echartea of Elkhart, Ind.; step-brothers, Jaime Echartea of Abram, and David Echartea and Nicolas Echartea Jr. of Elkhart. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 22 at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in

McAllen. Cremation followed. Carole Ann Rice cALLEN - Carole Ann Rice passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. She was born in May, 1939, in Mission to Jesse and Almeda, and graduated from Sharyland High School. She worked for KIRT radio in Mission in 1963 and continued working in the media for 30 years. She married Nick Rice in 1981. Survivors include her husband; sister, Judy Kendrick; and brother, Randy Castleman. A celebration of life service was held on Jan. 19 at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. Mague Salinas LA JOYA - Mague Salinas, 76, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. Mr. Salinas was born on Jan. 8, 1939, in Peñitas. He graduated from La Joya High School in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1959 to 1965. Following his military service, he owned and operated a hardware store in La Joya for over 40 years.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Mary De La Paz Salinas; children, David, Ivette, Javier and Joel Salinas; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Matilde Salinas, and brothers, Matias Salinas, Eduardo Saenz and Vicente Saenz Jr. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 19 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

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.

Forgotten Friends receives grant

Forgotten Friends Texas Rescue RGV in Mission received a $5,000 grant from the Petco Foundation. The grant assists the all-volunteer transport program with moving rescued dogs and puppies out of the Valley. Last year, 579 dogs and puppies were transported to

ELECTION CONTEST

Winifred Hendrick MISSION – Winifred Hendrick, 90, passed away on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Pablo Martinez MISSION – A funeral mass for Pablo Martinez was held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Interment followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission. Raul Martinez MISSION - Raul Martinez, 61, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Amara Hospice in Edinburg. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 21 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram. Venietta F. Miller MISSION - Venietta F. Miller, 85, passed away on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Comfort House in McAllen.

Maria del Refugio Montejano MISSION - Maria del Refugio Montejano passed away on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Paxvilla Hospice in McAllen. Beatriz Adriana Morales MISSION – Beatriz Adriana Morales, 33, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Jaime Ramos PALMVIEW – Jaime Ramos, 24, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at his home in Palmview. Humberto Perez MISSION – A funeral service for Humberto Perez was held on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Interment followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Roberto Morin Rangel MISSION - Roberto Morin Rangel, 88, passed away on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at his home in Mission. A fu-

neral service was held on Jan. 20 at Funeraria del Angel in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission. Margarito Salinas LA JOYA - Margarito Salinas, 76, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. Alicia Soto MISSION – A funeral service for Alicia Soto was held on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Iglesia Bautista Betania in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview. Vesta Steiner MISSION - Vesta Steiner, 78, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Elaine Weber MISSION - Elaine Weber, 80, passed away on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen.

ness list Peña submitted prior to the trial. At another point, Peña asked the judge permission to issue a subpoena for Hidalgo County Elections Administrator Yvonne Ramon to bring in envelopes from the mail-in ballots. Dorsey denied the request, and he also told Peña he could not offer an explanation as to why the envelopes were important to the case. “You’re not allowing us to make an offer of proof? Just so we’re clear on the record,” Peña asked. “I just want to make sure on the appellate record that the ruling is clear.” Peña asked the judge several times over the hearing to repeat a denial “for the appellate record,” and Hinojosa repeatedly told Dorsey that Peña didn’t respect his rulings. As the hearing drew to a close, Hinojosa said Peña wasted the court’s time, and to prove his point, he submitted much of the evidence Peña earlier had been told he could not submit, including the Hidrogo’s audio and video recordings and an unsigned statement. “He got up and he made these beautifully passionate arguments,” Hinojosa said. “You would have thought, ‘Boy, we’ve got a bunch of crooks in La Joya doing all sorts of nasty stuff and we need to sick the Texas Rangers on them right away.” Hinojosa asked for attorney fees and that, specifically, attorneys for The Diamond Pack pay them. A reasonable fee, he testified, is $300 an hour. Before Hinojosa left the witness stand after testifying about his request for fees,

BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission

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

Notices

ChurCh DireCtory

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

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

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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 



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

 

areas where the demand for puppies and dogs was higher than the number of available animals. The grant will help with providing spay/neuter, health certificates, rabies and travel expenses for transports this spring. The dogs and puppies chosen for the program must meet pre-

determined requirements for acceptance. Christine Compoton, president of Forgotten Friends Texas Rescue RGV, reminds pet owners that the most effective way to prevent unplanned litters from ending up in shelters is to have their pets spayed or neutered. from pg 1

Peña sat back in his chair and pulled up photos he’d received of Hinojosa and Dorsey talking outside of the courtroom after the lunch break. “For the record, were you talking to the judge outside of the courtroom earlier today?” Peña asked. “I was,” Hinojosa said. “Was this outside the presence of me, your opposing counsel?” Peña asked. “Yes,” Hinojosa responded, and when prompted, Hi-

nojosa said he and the judge were talking about the death of a mutual friend in Corpus Christi. “He asked me about a funeral that I intended to attend tomorrow. He had not heard the name. I told him what the name was. That was the extent of our conversation,” Hinojosa said. Dorsey told the attorneys he’d read over the evidence submitted and contact them with his decision.

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January 23, 2015

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McCaul Plan Would Fund Guard, Aid Border Patrol By Julián Aguilar The Texas Tribune

he U.S. Border Patrol would have greater freedom to patrol federally protected lands, and the Texas National Guard would be fully funded for permanent border security operations if a key Texas Republican has better luck on immigration legislation with a new Congress. The Secure Our Borders First Act, filed by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, would also expand fines levied against people caught crossing the border illegally, transfer extra military equipment to border agencies and limit pay raises and travel for appointees to the Department of Homeland Security if the border isn’t sealed in five years. The measure is a follow-up to a 2013 McCaul bill, the Border Security Results Act, which gained bipartisan support in committee and passed out unanimously, but failed to reach the U.S. House floor for a vote. The bill appears to have a better chance of advancing than McCaul’s last effort in the new GOP-controlled Congress. The Homeland Security Committee, which he chairs, will consider the proposal on Wednesday. “It is the toughest border security bill ever before Congress, with real penalties for the administration for not doing their job,” McCaul said in a statement. “We need this legislation to protect the

American people and sovereignty of this nation.” McCaul filed his bill during the state’s ongoing efforts to secure the border with the National Guard last summer. That effort calls for as many as 1,000 Texas soldiers to patrol the Rio Grande Valley, and came in response to a surge of illegal immigration last summer. The guard presence has been extended by the state’s leadership through March. Border Democrats have pushed back and said the deployment stains the area’s reputation and sends the wrong message to its Mexican neighbors. David Aguilar, the former commissioner of Customs and Border Protection and former chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, said the National Guard deployment in McCaul’s plan shouldn’t be seen as soldiers with guns and free range to arrest or detain people. “I would go as far, from a personal perspective, to say it should not be applied in that fashion,” he said. “But it should be and can be welcomed to be applied in the support mode” including aviation and surveillance missions. Aguilar, now a partner and co-founder of Global Security and Intelligence Strategies, called McCaul’s bill a good “road map.” “It sets the parameters and the requirements that should be focused on,” he said. The issue of Border Patrol access to federal lands will likely reignite a debate be-

tween environmentalists and proponents of more security. Policies put in place by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to protect endangered species and the environment also prevent agents from gaining access to some federal land near the border, according to a report by the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources. McCaul's bill would prevent those departments from denying the Border Patrol entry, and allow construction of roads or installation of surveillance equipment on federal lands within 100 miles of the border. When a similar measure was added to an emergency funding bill last summer, John Leshy, the solicitor of the Department of the Interior during the Clinton administration, told U.S. News and World Report the move was “basically Republicans using the border stuff to waive environmental laws and open up roads along the border to activities that would otherwise be controlled by land-management entities." McCaul’s bill has several original Republican co-sponsors, including 10 from Texas. But some Republicans say the measure doesn’t go far enough, and criticized the bill for introducing new legislation. “Why would Republicans introduce new border security bench marks and expect the president to implement them

See McCAUL PLAN 12

theclassifieds January 23, 2015

buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of opportunity

forrent

1/1 APARTMENT in La Joya, rent $375 plus utilities, deposit $400, 956821-8861.

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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 2014-17-0113 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ALTON THOROUGHFARE PLAN; REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; WAIVING THIRD READING. READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 13th day of January, 2015. Salvador Vela, Mayor ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary PROBATE NO P-33, 743 CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS

Personal classified rate: $7 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

Business classified rate: $15 for 15 words

25¢ each additional word thereafter

EMPLOYMENT O P P O R T U N I T Y: ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE The Winter Texan Times is now hiring advertising sales representatives. Excellent hours – no nights or weekends. Competitive pay: base salary plus commission. Prior sales experience preferred. The right candidate will have excellent lead generation, phone communication, cold calling and organizational skills. Must have excellent command of English and Spanish, including speaking, reading, writing, spelling and

DRIVERS:

Make it happen, we’re located at 1217 N. Conway in Mission, TX Come on in! Our hours of operation are Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 p.m. If you can’t drop by, mail it! P.O. Box 399, Mission, TX 78573 Order by phone 585-4893 with a major credit card. The deadline to get your classified in is Tuesday at 3 p.m.

grammar. Must have reliable transportation and a valid Texas driver’s license. For information call: 956-580-7800 or Email your resume to: resume@progresstimes.net

miscellaneous

SHARI’S BERRIES - ORDER Mouthwatering Gifts for Any Occasion! SAVE 20 percent on qualifying gifts over $29! Fresh dipped Berries starting at $19.99! Visit www. berries.com/easy or Call 1-888-9191668! DISH TV RETAILER. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/ month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-3462186.

AGNES MARCELINA O. LARRAZABAL, and/or her heirs at law WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN, OF ESTATE OF ROBERT A. GILBOE, DECEASED:

Drivers: CDL-A. $2400 Sign-on. Excellent Benefits. Home weekly. Solos & Teams - Excellent Wages. Newer Equipment. Monthly Bonus Programs. No CDL-A? We will train. 877-723-8932

On the 5th day of December, 2014, DARRELL DAVIS filed an amended application for Probate will as a muniment of title in a proceeding styled the ESTATE OF ROBERT A. GILBOE DECEASED, and bearing Probate Case Number P-33, 743, in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas.

AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO AEP TEXAS CENTRAL COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND PERMITTED ASSIGNS, A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE LINES AND APPURTENANCES AND APPLIANCES FOR CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY IN, OVER, UNDER AND THROUGH THE STREETS, AVENUES, ALLEYS AND PUBLIC PLACES OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS

The Court will hear the aforesaid amended Application for probate will as a muniment of title at 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of ten (10) days from the date this citation is published, at the County Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS, A MAJORITY OF MEMBERS CONCURRING:

All persons interested in the aforesaid estate are commanded to appear at or before the time set for said hearing by filing a written contest or answer to the amended Application for probate will as a muniment of title should they desire to oppose or contest it. Said written contest or answer shall be filed in the office of the County Clerk of Hidalgo County, Texas, in Edinburg, Texas. The officer serving this citation shall, in compliance with the law, serve it by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in this, the county in which such proceeding is pending, for not less than ten (10) days before the return day hereof, exclusive of the day of publication and the date of publication said newspaper bears shall be the day of publication. If this citation is not served withing 90 days after the date of issuance, it shall be returned unserved. ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF SAID COURT at office in Edinburg, Texas, this the 12th day of January 2015.

PROBATE NO P-33, 743 CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS ONNET GILBOE, and/or her heirs at law WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN, OF ESTATE OF ROBERT A. GILBOE, DECEASED: On the 5th day of December, 2014, DARRELL DAVIS filed an amended application for Probate will as a muniment of title in a proceeding styled the ESTATE OF ROBERT A. GILBOE DECEASED, and bearing Probate Case Number P-33, 743, in the Probate Court of Hidalgo County, Texas. The Court will hear the aforesaid amended Application for probate will as a muniment of title at 10:00 A.M. on the first Monday after the expiration of ten (10) days from the date this citation is published, at the County Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas. All persons interested in the aforesaid estate are commanded to appear at or before the time set for said hearing by filing a written contest or answer to the amended Application for probate will as a muniment of title should they desire to oppose or contest it. Said written contest or answer shall be filed in the office of the County Clerk of Hidalgo County, Texas, in Edinburg, Texas. The officer serving this citation shall, in compliance with the law, serve it by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in this, the county in which such proceeding is pending, for not less than ten (10) days before the return day hereof, exclusive of the day of publication and the date of publication said newspaper bears shall be the day of publication. If this citation is not served withing 90 days after the date of issuance, it shall be returned unserved. ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF SAID COURT at office in Edinburg, Texas, this the 12th day of January 2015.

SECTION 1: That AEP Texas Central Company, formerly known as Central Power and Light Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Texas, its successors and assigns, (hereinafter called “Company”) is hereby granted the non-exclusive right, privilege, franchise and authority for a term of ten (10) years, beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2025, to acquire, construct, maintain and operate in, above, under, across, over and along the streets, alleys, thoroughfares, bridges, and public places, as the same now exist or may hereafter be laid out, in the City of Mission, State of Texas, (hereinafter called “City”), lines for the transmission and distribution of electric energy and services incidental thereto, either by means of overhead or underground conductors, with all necessary or desirable appurtenances and appliances, as currently installed or that may be installed in the future, including but not limited to electric substations, underground conduits, poles, towers, wires and transmission lines, and communications lines and associated fixtures to be used solely in connection with the operation of the electric system and grid and matters appurtenant thereto, all for the purpose of transmitting and distributing electrical energy to said City and the inhabitants thereof, and persons and corporations within and beyond the limits thereof, for light, heat, power and any other purpose or purposes for which electric energy is now or may hereafter be used, and to license or lease space on or within the Company’s poles, conduit and appurtenant facilities for the attachment of third party facilities. SECTION 2: Poles and towers shall be erected so as not to interfere unreasonably with traffic over streets and alleys, and City may make and impose reasonable requirements fixing the location of poles, towers and conduits, provided that no such requirement shall be unreasonably burdensome upon Company or unreasonably interfere with the operation or maintenance of said facilities. SECTION 3: City hereby grants to Company permission to cut, trim, treat and dispose of trees and other vegetation upon and overhanging the streets, alleys, avenues, sidewalks, and other public places of the City in the vicinity of Company’s electric facilities where such trees and other vegetation, in Company’s reasonable opinion, constitute a hazard to Company’s personnel or facilities, or the provision of continuous electric service. Company acknowledges the City’s desire to preserve Heritage Trees and other shade trees whenever possible and agrees to coordinate its vegetation management activities with appropriate City departments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this section, all vegetation management activities affecting the public rights of ways shall be performed in accordance with federal and state mandates regulating vegetation management activities to ensure electric system reliability and safety. SECTION 4: The Company shall fully indemnify and save harmless the City from any and all damage, loss, action or cause of action arising in whole or in part from Company’s exercise of any of its rights, privileges, franchises and obligations hereunder, except to the extent arising out of City’s negligence or willful misconduct. SECTION 5: For and as full consideration and compensation for this franchise and the rights, privileges and easements granted and conferred thereby and as rental for the use of the streets, alleys and other public areas within or that may hereafter be within said City, the Company shall pay said City an amount authorized by Section 33.008(b) of the Texas Utilities Code, currently the product of a factor of $0.002693 per kilowatt hour multiplied by the number of kilowatt hours of electricity delivered by Company to retail customers whose consuming facilities’ points of delivery are located within the City, as such charge may be revised from time to time in accordance with Section 33.008(b) of the Texas Utilities Code or any other applicable provision of law regarding franchise fee payments. A payment made on the basis of the foregoing applicable law or any change, modification or replacement thereof will be made each month throughout the term herein provided for, with each such payment to be made on the first business day of the second month following the month in which the deliveries occur. The City shall notify the Company in writing of newly annexed and de-annexed areas. The notice shall include the ordinance number authorizing the action, an appropriate map identifying the areas and documentation of the notice to the State of Texas regarding the annexation or de-annexation. The Company shall have no responsibility for commencing payments to City for kilowatt hours delivered in newly annexed areas until it shall have received City’s notification. Upon City’s notification and starting the 91st day after receipt of such notice, the Company will commence payments to the City for kilowatt hours delivered in each newly annexed area and will make any appropriate adjustments in payments reflecting over deliveries of kilowatt hours in any prior month resulting from inclusion of kilowatt hours from de-annexed areas in the calculation of the monthly charge. Payments for deliveries in newly annexed areas and adjustments for over deliveries in de-annexed areas shall be made back to the effective date of the ordinance. SECTION 6: This franchise shall not be transferable except in accordance with Article 10, Section 10.02 of City’s Home Rule Charter. Furthermore, whenever in this ordinance the City or Company is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the respective successor or permitted assign of either, provided the City Council shall approve the transfer, and upon such approval, all rights, privileges, franchises and obligations herein contained shall bind and inure to the benefit of such successor or permitted assign, in which event the predecessor of such successor or permitted assign is divested of all such rights, privileges, franchises or obligations, whether so expressed or not. SECTION 7: The terms and provisions of this ordinance are joint and several, and the invalidity of any part shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the ordinance. SECTION 8: This ordinance shall take effect from and after the earliest period allowed by law, City’s Home Rule Charter, and City Ordinances upon Company filing its written acceptance of this franchise with City within ninety (90) days after adoption of this ordinance. INTRODUCED, AND READ on First Reading at a regular meeting duly and regularly called and held on the ________ day of _____________________, 2015. READ, PASSED, AND APPROVED, on Second Reading this the ________ day of ___________________, 2015. CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS _______________________________________________ Norberto Salinas, Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ Anna Carrillo, City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: _____________________________ David H. Guerra, City Attorney

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January 23, 2015

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Mission High School (MHS) student Jesus Olivares will perform with the Texas All-State 6A Band in San Antonio on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as part of the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention. Olivares plays bass clarinet. This is the third time Olivares has earned a spot in one of the TMEA AllState Bands.

McCAUL PLAN

UTPA from pg 10

at a time when he has nullified our current laws?” the Conservative Review wrote in a political commentary. “Why not focus exclusively on cutting off funding for agencies until he agrees to implement the laws on the books, as House conservatives pushed for last week?”

ROYAL FAMILY

Veterans Memorial High School student Darius Davis qualified for the Texas All-State Men’s Choir in San Antonio after meeting the competition rigors of the District through Area levels. He will perform at the 2015 Texas Music Educators Association clinic/convention. Davis sings tenor.

title and what it meant. Ashley said she wanted to make her parents proud, and Hailey, just the same. Littlest Amanda chimed in with the similar attitude. “When I saw my two sisters out there, I felt like I wished that I could be there, too,” the second-grader said. “Then, I grew up and I got to do it. I was so happy because when I saw my sisters, I just wanted to be exactly like them and follow in their footsteps.” The girls have always been close, Amy said, comforting one another when they are feeling down and feeding off of each other’s positivity. Sometimes Amy can hear them saying goodnight to each other and exchanging I love you’s before bed. Year after year, the sisters continue to coach each other throughout the princess process and they said they will continue to do so when it’s time to run for Queen Citrianna – another title all three want to hold. Now that Amy is experiencing

from pg 7

dents of Palmview High School because a lot of people think that science isn’t fun, and we totally disagree,” said Priscilla Duran, a Palmview physics dual enrollment student. “Every day we learn something new, and even if you don’t know it, physics is all around us.” from pg 1

her third year as a pageant mom, she feels confident this year will run smoother because she’s had two years of preparation. The mom of three said she has felt rushed in the past and never took the opportunity to soak up the moment with her daughters. “I look through their albums and time goes by so fast,” Amy said with watering eyes. “With Ashley, I was just learning, and I was so concentrated on getting her prepared...that I didn’t take a moment just to see the big picture and how beautiful everything is.” The born and bred Mission natives each have their own tips for earning the crown. Be yourself, do your best and live, they agreed. “Never think that you can’t do it because you can do anything in life,” fifth-grader Hailey said. “Don’t be shy and go out and smile. Enjoy what you have right now because when you get older, you might not have the opportunity to do it again.”