January 29, 2016 - Progress Times Issue by Progress Times

Friday, January 29, 2016

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COUNTY COMMISSIONER RACE: NEWCOMER VS. VETERAN

By Lea Victoria Juarez

For the first time in 15 years, Joe Flores has an opponent entering the race for Precinct 3 Hidalgo County commissioner – 29-year-old Daniel Diaz. The Palmview native was in middle school when Flores was first elected into office, but now Diaz said it’s time for his generation to make decisions about the future of their community. “For the first time in Precinct 3 in this position, we have somebody that reflects us a little bit more, reflects our values and understands where we come from,” Diaz said. “We get to choose what the next 20 or 30 years are going to look like because we’re going to be very much a part of it.” Flores said that having an opponent has only motivated him to work harder to talk to people in the community. The commissioner aligned himself with Team Liberty, which consists of Justice of the Peace Luis Garza (Place 1), Justice of the Peace Marcos Ochoa (Place 2), Tax Assessor & Collector Pablo “Paul” Villarreal, 398th District judge candidate Keno Vasquez, State Representative Oscar Longoria (D-35), state repre-

sentative candidate Abraham Padron (D-36) and Constable Lazaro Gallardo. Flores has been running with members of the slate for every election he’s been a part of. He’s confident that running as a group will get more people to the polls, and his track record will keep him in office. “When I first won the election in 2000...I was a newcomer back then and I’ve got a lot more supporters this time around,” Flores said. “When you’re out there without an opponent you feel at ease, but with an opponent at least you have to work a little bit harder. But I don’t see any problem. I’m very confident in my election.” During Flores’s time as a commissioner, he’s most proud of switching the county over to self-funded workers compensation and health insurance. By doing this, he said the county has saved about $50 million to $60 million. His experience as a multi-million dollar business owner gives him an advantage when it comes to handling money, he said. In addition, the commissioner said 100 percent of his paycheck from the county goes to people in the community for funeral donations,

Daniel Diaz hospital bills or general donations for those in need. “For the last 15 years I’ve paid for maybe about 30 or 40 funerals and I don’t partner with anyone else and I don’t ask for anything back. Little things like that really accomplish a lot,” he said. “I feel really proud being able to serve people like that.” While Flores’s campaign strategy is focusing on his record, Diaz has been laying groundwork as a newcomer since about February 2015. Diaz began block walking in April 2015 just to get the word out about his candidacy, but he and his volunteers took to the streets more aggressively in the last four weeks.

Diaz entered the race for Precinct 3 commissioner because he wants to improve infrastructure, public spaces and general quality of life. As a former employee of La Union del Pueblo Entero, he has experience working with low-income communities and first-hand knowledge of their needs. “I organized in the colonias so I had to bring in engineers and architects...then propose it to the county,” Diaz said. “The problem was that the county was never really interested. So I said, ‘If the county isn’t interested, let me just run for county commissioner.” Flores said Diaz has never approached him about any

Parade prep

Joe Flores project, but would be open to hearing ideas for improvements for the county. Diaz said a lot of the concerns from the community are safety related, such as lack of streetlights and security, specifically in the colonias and in the La Joya and Peñitas areas. He also finds that people fear corruption in local politics. If elected, he would like keep the lines of communication open between him and the people, and include them in the decision making process. “My transparency looks like maybe having monthly meetings reporting to the citizens on what’s going on the county level in Precinct 3,” the newcomer said. “I’m very

willing to do that. I did that as an organizer, I do that during the campaign so that’s very much a part of being who I am as a public servant.” If Flores is elected, he said he plans to carry on in the community the way he has for the last 15 years. “I want to continue doing what I’m doing and continue doing as much as I can for the people and the colonias out in the rural areas,” he said. “You always get new things coming in and almost every day you learn something. You can never stop learning.” Although Flores is being endorsed by most of his slate members, Diaz said he believes his advantage is a stronger grassroots following. But even if Diaz doesn’t win, he hopes the simple fact of him running against Flores will draw more voters as a whole. “Now people are really going to pay attention, just by the fact that somebody is running against Joe Fores,” Diaz said. “We want to get higher voter turnout in the area. We need more competition in these local races. Some of them think I can win or keep it close and make it competitive, and I think it’s good because it can keep the leadership here more accountable.”

79th TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA Schedule of Events “Citrus, Cartoons & Comic Book Characters” PARADE OF ORANGES Saturday, January 30 Line up starts at 11 a.m. on 2 Mile Line and Conway, Parade starts at 3 p.m. Along Conway Ave. from FM 495, South to 4th St.

The Mission High School FFA rides atop their Rock & Roll themed float for the 78th Texas Citrus Fiesta. Photo by Doug Young

Mission High FFA brings comics to life

By Lea Victoria Juarez he Mission High School Future Farmers of America are giving the Parade of Oranges another go for the Texas Citrus Fiesta. And this year, they’re going big. A lifesize Catwoman stood guard next to the trailer and the light danced on the bold red and blue foil paper that covered it. An electric saw and hammering sounded from inside the walls of agriculture building -- the students were at work. For weeks the FFA club has been steadily building the project from concept to construction, keeping in line with this year’s fiesta theme -- Citrus, Cartoons & Comic Book Characters. They’re taking the comic book superhero approach by building a city skyline and crafting different characters for each corner of the trailer.

Sophomore Sebastian Carrillo said the students are drawing their inspiration from the iconic comic book companies Marvel and DC Comics. “This year I think it’s easier because we’ve had more time to get the supplies ready and to kind of think of our idea before starting, so we already have an idea of how the float is going to look,” Carrillo said. In addition, he said each FFA member plans to dress up as a different superhero, which would mean about 20 to 30 different superheros atop the mini skyline. Last year was the first time the MHS FFA club entered a float in the products division contest, and a few errors were made, FFA sponsor Benito Garza said. “The judges said ‘The float is great, kids are great, but you should have decorated the truck.’ We didn’t have a single item on the vehicle

and we were supposed to,” he said with a chuckle. “We were told ours was pretty decent last year but we learned from our first experience.” Every float entered in the category must be covered in Valley-grown products. Garza said 30 crates of grapefruit and 15 crates of oranges were donated by Wonderful Citrus in Palmview for this year’s float. The MHS students won’t be placing the fruit until the day before the parade, but they already have their own tactics to prevent it from falling off, which includes hairspray and specific slice size. For the last several years, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church has been taking home first place in the product division, but Garza said the title isn’t the goal for his students. “To be honest with you, we just want to have a very nice and pretty float,” he said. “We’re not in it for the prize. The kids just want to repre-

sent Mission High School and FFA with a nice float.” While working on the float, the students are also utilizing the skills they learn in class, which includes shop safety, learning measurements, working with tools and practicing teamwork. They will also be receiving a participation grade for their contribution to the float. Ag. teacher Clarissa Saenz said her favorite parts of the last few weeks are seeing the students work together and the float come together at the same time. “It’s hard when you see just a trailer and you’re thinking ‘What are we going to do?’ she said. “So we started with little pieces and once we see something come together we say ‘Well, now we can do something else with it.’ So it kind of goes with the flow but we’re coming up with ideas along the way, together.”

FUN FAIR EVENTS FIESTA FUN FAIR SATURDAY, January 30 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Leo Pena Plazita 9th St. (Business 83) & Conway Free Admission Food Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Entertainment VAQUERO COOK-OFF All Day at Leo Pena Plazita 9th St. (Business 83) & Conway FIESTA FUN RUN Call 956-580-8760 Mission Parks & Recreation MISSION HISTORICAL MUSEUM Fiesta Display 900 Doherty, Mission 956-580-8646 HEART OF AMERICA CARNIVAL January 21-31 FM 495 & Conway

INSIDE

Ballet Folklórico UTRGV presents Alegría 2016

INDEX

Lady Huskies dictate the action

Muñoz champions new laws

A history of Mexico’s folk dance is unveiled through original works and the choreography from a variety of Mexican states and regions.

Sports reporter Luciano Guerra gives a rundown of the strengths and weaknesses of the Juarez-Lincoln High School wrestling team.

Legislator approved two bills designed to protect victims of sexual assault, human trafficking and sex slavery.

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See story page 12

Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 3

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 6

Obituaries | pg. 9

Classifieds | pg. 10

entertainment National bullriders compete Jan. 30-31

ERCEDES – It is time to grab a cowboy hat and a pair of boots and look like a real Texan as KTEX 100.3 presents the “The Hottest 8 Seconds of 2016” in Mercedes. The National Professional Bull Riders (NPBR) brings some of the nation’s top bull riders to town for a two-day event on Jan. 30 to 31 at the RGV Livestock Show Complex, Mercedes. Thirty-five top cowboys will compete for an average of $14,000 in money and prizes. This includes a chance to win one of three $600 Monsoon Silver Champion Trophy Buckles and a sack full of money. The NPBR not only attracts bull riders from Texas and the surrounding states but also from Mexico, Brazil and

Australia. The four-footed beasts that cowboys will be trying to score points on will be top bulls that are the up and coming stars of professional bull riding. Many of the bulls performing in the Mercedes NPBR in the past have been featured bucking bulls on television. Returning this year will be the South Texas Bull Fight Challenge. This will be the first stop on the South Texas Bull Fight Challenge Tour. Five top bullfighters will compete not only for money in their pockets but also for a chance to perform in Las Vegas. In 2016, the South Texas Freestyle Bull Fight Challenge will become a sanctioned event for Bullfighters Only, a platform created to

DINBURG – Ballet Folklórico UTRGV presents Alegría 2016 with six shows on the Edinburg campus. Alegría Gira brings to life Mexico’s beautiful art of folk dance. An energetic and spirited cast of 30 dancers, colorful costuming and dramatic choreographies supported by special lighting and music. A history of Mexico’s folk dance is unveiled through original works and the choreography of invited guest artists from a variety of Mexican states and regions. Opening night show takes place on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Performing Arts Center. Public concerts continue on Feb. 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and with matinees Feb. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the PAC Box Office one hour prior to the event. Tickets prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; and $8 for children. For advance ticket information, contact the Dance Program office at 665-2230. Ballet Folklórico UTRGV

also will perform two shows on Feb. 12 and 19 at 10 a.m. for public and private school students and teachers at the UTRGV Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $3 per student, teacher or sponsor. Teachers interested in attending should call the Dance Office to request a reservation form. Ballet Folklórico UTRGV is under the direction of Francisco Muñoz, program director; Miguel Angel Peña Caballero, Artistic Director; and Production Manager Zeidy Enedy Garza-Peña. Members of the 2016 Ballet Folklórico are Marisol Abascal, Anthony Carrillo, Alejandro Casillas, Amy Castellanos, Karla Carbajal, Elizette Dávila, Fancy De León, Sergio De León, Anibal Flores, Abril Silva Galván, Kayren Garcia, Naileah Garza, Zeidy Garza, Uriel Góngora, Marisol Guerrero and Ángel Hernández. Also, Jose Izaguirre, Aracely Longoria, Jennifer Lozano, Amanda Meda, Hanss Mujica, Perla Olivo, Marco Antonio Quiroz, Daniela Rios, Guillermo Rivas,

revolutionize the sport of American bullfighting. There is now a seven-day event being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the NFR with a world champion to be crowned at the end. Several of this year’s contestants have competed at NPBR events. Protection and freestyle bull fighting competition is making bull riding even more exciting for the fans and athletes alike. In a freestyle bullfight, the bullfighter goes one-on-one against a Mexican Fighting Bull for 70 seconds. The bullfighter is judged on his willingness to expose himself to risk and on his aggressiveness. Pro Rodeo Clown and Barrelman, Rockin’ Robbie Hodges of Cave Spring, Ga. will be back to show off his

Alegría 2016 set for six performances

comedy routine from inside the “clown barrel.” Chris Marshall headlines before the action on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 5:30 p.m. and the bull riding and bullfights start at 7:30 pm. The Sunday, Jan. 31, matinee show will start with a performance by “Ruthi” at 12 p.m., followed by action packed bull riding and bullfights. There will be something for everyone including music, food, vendors, bucking machine and a calf scramble for the kids. Pre-sale tickets are available at Boots & Jeans in Weslaco, Bull Rider in Harlingen and all Boot Jack Western Stores. Adults are $12 pre-sale and $14 at the gate. Seniors 55 and over are $10 presale and $12 at the gate.

January 28, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

January 30 • The McAllen Memorial High School Chamber Choir presents “Comedy Tonight,” a musical revue of some of Broadway’s most endearing, hilarious and side-splitting songs. It takes place at the McAllen Memorial High School auditorium, 101 E. Hackberry, at 2 p.m. Admission is free. February 6 • It’s a triple-treat night when Def Leppard, Styx and Tesla tour makes it way to the Rio Grande Valley stage at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. performance. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster. com or by calling 800-745-3000. Prices range from $57 to $173. February 7 • The Rio Grande Valley Concert Band will perform at Alamo Palms in Alamo at 3 p.m. For now and in the future, musicians with band performance experience are invited to join. The band has a special need for players of clarinets, flutes and percussion instruments. Contact Gene Goede, director, at 682-9225 for information. February 13 • The opening reception for the Upper Valley Art League 2016 Annual Photographic Art Show runs from 7 to 9 p.m. in the UVAL gallery at 921 E. 12th in Mission. It is free and open to the public. The artists’ works will be on display through March 5. Contact UVAL at 583-2787 for further information.

Mariachi concert showcases local talent

Ballet Folklórico UTRGV (UTRGV Photo)

Lillian Rodríguez, Brandon Salinas, Gabriela Salinas, Estephania Sandoval, Anthony Soto, Susan Tristán, Mónica Vargas and Jasleen

Vélez. For more information, contact the Dance Office at 665-2230 or visit utpa.edu/ balletfolklorico.

AN BENITO – The debut of the Resaca City Music & Arts Showcase premiers on Jan. 29 featuring live music and a variety of arts and crafts and from professional food truck vendors. Seven bands will beltout Rock, Latin Rock, Tejano/Conjunto, Hip Hop and Norteño music. Artisans, including a live

glass blower, will feature their wares at Heavin Memorial Park and Amphitheater, 705 N. Bowie Street, from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free of charge to the family-oriented event. The musical line-up includes And The Hero Prevails, Havey y Los Latinos, Relverie, Zack Shine, Matt Montalvo, TR3N and Grupo Bargas.

Resaca City Showcase premiers Jan. 29

DINBURG – The award-winning UTRGV’s Mariachi Aztlán steps into the 2016 spotlight with three January concerts this weekend. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. tonight and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the UTRGV Performing Arts Center, 1201 W. University Dr. in Edinburg. Guest performers are UTRGV Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán and the UTRGV Ballet Folklórico, along with internationally renowned folk harpist Ivan Velasco performing music from Veracruz. The newest mariachi ensemble, UTRGV Mariachi Juvenil Aztlán, is under the direction of Dr. Dahlia Guerra, interim dean of the

College of Fine Arts, and Francisco Loera, music lecturer. The Dance Program’s UTRGV Ballet Folklórico is under the direction of Francisco Muñoz. Mariachi ensembles from area high schools will also perform. They Palmview and La Joya High School Mariachis (Friday), Roma High School Mariachi (Saturday) and McAllen High School Mariachi (Sunday). Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and will be available one hour before the show. All UTRGV Patron of the Arts members get free admission. For ticket information or special accommodations, call 665-3881 or 665-2175.

lifestyle Events Calendar

Jan uary 30 – The Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) Polar Plunge takes place Clayton’s Beach Bar & Grill in South Padre Island at noon. Register with a team or as an individual at sotx.org. Cost is $30 for youth under age 18 and $60 for adults. All registration fees include a T-shirt. Walk-up registration will also be held on the day of the event, starting at 11 a.m. There are other incentives for those who raise more money than the minimum registration fee. All proceeds provide programming and training for more than 4,600 SOTX athletes in the Rio Grande Valley. Awards will be presented to the individual and team that raises the most money and to the individual with the Best Costume. For more information or to volunteer, contact Lauro Garza at lgarza@sotx.org or at 630-3434. Ja nuary 31 – The Museum of South Texas History hosts Joe Vidales from the Weslaco Bicultural Museum for a presentation, “Rio Rico: One town, Two countries and the ‘Lost Americans,’” starting at 2 p.m. The presentation will explore the history of Rio Rico, a city that shares a tumultuous, perplexed identity between the border of South Texas and northeastern Mexico. The program is included in the museum admission. MOSTH is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. on the courthouse square in Edinburg. Call 383-6911 for information. February Feb ruary 2 – Sign-up now for the Backyard Habitat Steward program on Tuesdays through March 8 in six hands-on classes from 9 a.m. to noon and learn from the best experts in the Valley. All classes are held at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center, 600 Sunset in McAllen. Contact Carol Goolsby at 6813370 to reserve a spot. The $60 fee covers the program binder and other materials. Feb ruary 3 – All Winter Texans will be able to visit the Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, for a special admission price of $4.50 on Winter Texan Discount Day. Visitors can stop by the special events building from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for food and refreshments, door prizes, exhibitors, DJ, karaoke and more. Walking tours, train tours and Keeper Chats will also be conducted throughout the duration of the event. Guests must show proof of out-of-state residence in order to receive the discounted admission rate. For more information, call 546-7187 or visit gpz.org Feb ruary 5 – The awards show for the Mission Historical Museum’s annual Mission Quilt Show will be held at 2 p.m. with a special “Turning of the Quilts” program. Anyone who has an antique quilt they would like shown, can contact museum archivist Vernon Weckbacher at 534-5679 or stop by the museum. The public is invited to view the display and to attend the program. Located at 900 Doherty, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. Feb ruary 5 – The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild will be offering classes as part of their “Schoolhouse” program. The classes held on Fridays, run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Texas College campus in Weslaco, Building G. Classes are $10 for members and $35 for non-members. The $25 pays for membership in the RGV Quilt Guild. Carol Hovar will present “Little Bunny Foo Foo,” incorporating rabbit making into quilting. For more information contact Karen Kill at schoolhousergvqg@gmail.com. Feb ruary 12-13 – The Mission Historical Museum Artesano Market Days runs from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Hand-crafted artisan work will be featured in three categories: food related – derived or themed products; recycled or re-purposed items; and gardening – related or themed. Deadline for vendor registration is Monday, Feb. 1. For more information on registering as an artisan vendor, contact Lisa Price at 580-8646 or by email at programs@missionmuseum.org. Feb ruary 14 – Stop by the Gladys Porter Zoo, 500 Ringgold in Brownsville, for a “Valentine’s Day” themed Animal Play Day to watch the animals interact with special treats and enrichment items. It begins at 11 a.m. at the Gorilla Island and move to the surrounding exhibits throughout the day. It is included in the regular price of general admission. For information, call 546-7187 or visit gpz.org (For daily events and upcoming weeks, see the full calendar at www.ptrgv.com.)

DINBURG – Palm Valley Animal Center, the Puppy Love committee, and Bert Ogden Rio Grande Fiesta Dealerships know that “The Best Is Yet To Come” at the Seventh Annual Puppy Love Gala. The event takes place Saturday, Feb. 13, at the McAllen Convention Center from 6 to10 p.m. The Puppy Love Gala will be an evening of live, blackboard, and silent auctions and dinner. Palm Valley Animal Center and the Puppy Love planning committee hope to raise funds to heighten companion animal awareness through commu-

Birding workshops planned

pring is coming and so are the birds. Professional bird guide Erik Bruhnke is teaching three workshops in March at Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center for beginner, intermediate and advanced birders! Beginner and intermediate workshops are 10 classes long, and cover a large range of topics. To register for the workshops, visit webtrac.mcallen.net or call 381-3370. The beginner workshop cover general bird information: how to attract more birds to the backyard habitat and demonstrate how to locate and identify common birds in the Rio Grande Valley. This workshop covers a great deal of bird identification geared towards beginning birders, and students are encouraged to bring photos of birds whose identification has stumped them. The group will explore the grounds to put their new found skills to the test. Pre-registration is required. The intermediate workshop will offer species-by-species presentation, delving into identification specifics for every bird seen in Texas. Audio and visual components are covered. For the advanced birder, Bruhnke reveals and simplifies the world of bird identification through the Advanced Bird ID Series. Each session will focus on a different group of birds: Warblers, March 5; Raptors, March 12; Gulls, March 19; and Pelagic birds, March 26. Pre-registration is not required for this series, and the price is $5 per session. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen. For more information or to register, call 681-3370.

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January 29, 2016

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Tickets on sale for Puppy Love Gala nity outreach and education via Palm Valley Animal Center and The Laurie P. Andrews PAWS Center, coming soon to Hidalgo County. Puppy Love is open to the public, however, advance registration is required and limited group seating is available. For information or to purchase a reservation please contact Palm Valley Animal Center at 686-1141. To adopt a pet, make a donation or for more information, call the same number, visit pvaconline.com or stop by at 2501 W. Trenton Rd. in Edinburg.

Getting ready for the Seventh Annual Puppy Love Gala are, from left, front row, Rebeca I. Villanueva, Vicki Penn, Virginia Meyer, Joann Wright, Yvonne Kautsch, Debbie Schrock, and Debbie Rockelmann; and, back row, Barbara Guerra, Mari Gonzalez, Lisa Stone, Robert Russell, Tim Ousley and Keely Lewis. The fundraiser benefits the Palm Valley Animal Shelter.

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January 29, 2016

www.ptrgv.com | www.strgv.com By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Governor meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu

USTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 18 met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a business development tour in Israel. Abbott said in a news release that the meeting was “to discuss Texas and Israel’s historic bond” and how he can further solidify their relationship. Abbott informed Netanyahu that Texas would “maintain its Iran divestiture policy” and that he would “seek new laws to strengthen Texas’ prohibitions on the investment of public funds in Iran.” Abbott said the legislation he plans to promote would: - Require local governmental entities to divest investments in Iran; - Require all Texas state entities that invest money to divest Iran investments, not just Texas’ various retirement funds; and - Close loopholes in Texas’ Iran divestment law after examining them to determine where and how any exceptions can be minimized or eliminated altogether. Abbott reminded readers that in September 2015, he sent a letter to the Texas congressional delegation stating his opposition President Obama’s Iran nuclear deal. On July 14, 2015, the president signed what the White House called “a comprehensive, long-term deal that will verifiably prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.” Court to review Texas case The U.S. Supreme Court on Jan. 19 announced it would review an immigration case that originated in Brownsville. Styled now as United States v. Texas, the case challenges the Obama administration’s November 2014

executive order affecting the deportation policy for undocumented immigrants. The case is scheduled be argued before the court in April, with a decision expected in June. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton reacted to the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case, saying that the court “recognizes the importance of the separation of powers.” Texas leads a 26-state coalition against the president’s immigration plan. Federal courts have ruled in the states’ favor three times, most recently in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Paxton noted. AG opines on online gaming Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Jan. 19 issued an opinion in response to a legislative inquiry regarding the legality of online gaming. State Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, chair of the House Committee on Public Health, asked Paxton whether “daily fantasy sports leagues” are permissible under Texas law, and if it is legal to participate in fantasy sports leagues where the house does not take a “rake” and the participants only wager among themselves. Paxton said, “Paid daily ‘fantasy sports’ operators claim they can legally operate as an unregulated house, but none of their arguments square with existing Texas law. Simply put, it is prohibited gambling in Texas if you bet on the performance of a participant in a sporting event and the house takes a cut.” Paxton said that unlike some other states, Texas law only requires “partial chance” for something to be gambling; it does not require that chance predominate.

The opinion makes clear, Paxton added, that “traditional fantasy sports leagues are, as a general rule, legal under Texas law. In those leagues, participants generally split any pot amongst themselves, so there is no house that takes a cut.” Job statistics are posted The Texas Workforce Commission on Jan. 22 announced the state ended calendar year 2015 with another month of growth in employment, adding 24,900 jobs. “Texas finished 2015 on a strong note in December with employers adding 166,900 jobs over the year across a diverse range of industries,” said Texas Workforce Commission Chair Andres Alcantar. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.7 percent in December, up from 4.6 percent in November. It remained below the national average of 5.0 percent. The Workforce Commission, citing figures compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, pointed out these statistics: - Professional and business services employment surged in December with the addition of 12,500 positions, the industry’s largest overthe-month gain since November 2014; and - The education and health services industry recorded the second-largest employment gain over the month in Texas with 7,400 jobs added, marking 21 consecutive months of growth and a total of 66,700 jobs added since January 2015. Furthermore, said Ruth R. Hughs, TWC’s commissioner representing employers, “Private-sector employment was strong over the year with the overall job growth of 141,300 jobs in December.”

McAllen Minutes by

Davis Rankin, FutuRo Mcallen

Where will the Fest be? And what’s in a name?

McAllen City Commission January 25, 2016 Davis Rankin, Futuro McAllen

he item on the Monday night McAllen City Commission agenda stated it plainly: Consideration and Approval of Contract with Borderfest Association. A reader could conclude that the city was going to go ahead and do the legal deal to bring the annual celebration to McAllen after decades in Hidalgo. There’s even a website (myborderfest.com) for the March 3-6 event at the McAllen Convention Center. The conclusion would be wrong. Commissioners passed on the agenda item and discussed it behind closed doors, in executive session, as the law allows. And after the executive session, when they have to take action in public, commissioners did nothing and said nothing. Mayor Jim Darling directed a reporter to City Manager Roy Rodriguez for comment. Rodriguez explained that they want to wait until a federal court hearing Tuesday

afternoon that they hope clarifies the situation, particularly who owns the Borderfest name. “We think what comes out of that hearing is going be helpful in our decision”, said Rodriguez. “In fact, we need it, we need the information coming out of that court. It’s basically about copyright or trademark--who owns the Borderfest trademark. We’re going to wait until that happens and we’re probably going to have a special meeting on Friday.” There is a separate hearing set for February 2 in state court in Edinburg. In a nutshell, and gleaned from various news sources, here’s what happened. After 39 years in Hidalgo, Borderfest officials announced Wednesday, January 13, that they were moving the festival to McAllen. Saying the festival is theirs, an outraged City of Hidalgo has gone to court to block the move at the same time they have said they will go ahead and put on Borderfest. The Borderfest Association is a non-profit organization. Ob-

viously, who owns the name and who owns the festival, the Bo will be key. McAllen officials said they did not solicit the move. In the middle of it all is former Hidalgo City Manager and now Assistant McAllen City Manager Joe Vera, brought on as a special events person. Vera was in charge of the holiday parade, for example. He was not at Monday’s meeting. Commissioners did do other things Monday. They agreed to ban concealed and openly carried handguns from city meetings, authorizing the posting of “appropriate and required signage and notice.” They started annexation procedures to bring into the city limits 314 acres in seven tracts in the southwest part of town. Head city planner Juli Rankin (no relation) told commissioners that all the land is outside the city limits but surrounded by the city and that commissioners in December directed that the land be annexed. They still have to set public hearings so people can express their opinion of it.

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January 29, 2016

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Mims Elementary Mustangville opens for business Reminiscing...

he newest “town” in the Rio Grande Valley officially opened for business this morning at Mims Elementary School in Mission CISD. For the last few months, the students of Mims Elementary have been busy forming their own minitropolis known as Mustangville. This micro-society is designed to mirror a fully functioning community in order to create an academic learning experience for students. Business and community leaders joined Mission CISD leaders and the citizens of Mustangville for the official ribbon cutting ceremony and first “day” of business. After the ribbon cutting was complete, the citizens (students) of Mustangville then officially opened their businesses and community offices. Campus administrators provided tours of the minitropolis for the visiting dignitaries, which included representatives from other area school districts with similar micro-societies or who are planning on starting them. Mustangville is starting with a Walmart, IBC Bank, bookstore, music store, treasury department, IRS, newspaper, radio station, recycling center, police department, future nurses, future teachers, an arcade, postal service and fully functioning city council. Time is set aside each Friday for the city and its businesses to conduct business with the student citizens. Midkiff Elementary School has also joined the minitropolis movement. Their micro-society is named Republic of Midkiff.

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30 Years Ago This Week

Discipline gets special attention at LJISD The La Joya school district accepts a discipline management plan that requires cooperation and separate responsibilities between the students, parents, teachers and school administration. Gilpin’s hot hand leads Eagles to romp over bobcats Danny Gilpin led the mission Eagles to a convicing 70-42 win over the Edinburg Bobcats and kept the Eag;es in the chase for the sedon playoff spot in 32-5A basketball action. Mims Elementary students unveil their minitropolis known as Mustangville. Courtesy photo

January 29, 2016

By Luciano Guerra n wrestling lingo, dictating the action refers to the ability to move an opponent by wrestling aggressively and trying to score a takedown, escape, reversal, or a near fall. While the phrase is most often used in reference to an individual wrestler taking control of his or her opponent during a match, it could be said that the Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies wrestlers have been dictating the action against their District 16-6A opponents this season. Junior Jesenia Gaytan is one of the Juarez-Lincoln wrestlers that has helped the Lady Huskies win every tournament they have entered this season but one. The fact that she has yet to lose a match in her 215 lb. weight class all season long after having lost as many matches as she won last year is a testament to her renewed commitment to excel. “Last year I was overconfident going into the district tournament and that’s why I did not advance into regionals,” explained Gaytan. “This year I’ve worked a lot

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Juarez-Lincoln Lady Huskies dictating the action

harder because I don’t want the same thing to happen and because my goal is to make it to the state tournament.” Among Gaytan’s most impressive achievements this year is her winning the 215 lb. weight class championship at the Centex Tournament in Austin. As Lady Huskies’ head wrestling coach Humberto Vela explained, going to that tournament was a way of motivating his girls to keep their eyes on the prize. “Jesenia and Leslie (Oliva) were our two Centex champions,” Vela said. “That’s the reason we went to that tournament. To see if the girls could handle the competition and also to make sure they understood that if they could beat the girls over there, the same girls they’ll be going up against in the regional tournament, they’ll do well at regionals. Then they can focus on getting to district and doing whatever they have to do to get to regionals so that they can become state qualifiers.” Other Lady Huskies that placed at Centex were Vanessa Doria (fourth – 110 lbs.), Nancy Becerra (third –

128 lbs.) and Yaritza Colunga (fourth – 165 lbs.). Overall, Juarez-Lincoln placed second out of 34 teams at Centex with a score of 127 points. While the Lady Huskies’ season did not exactly get off to a great start, that changed once the tournaments started. “At the beginning of the year, everybody beat us at the Dual meets,” explained Vela. “La Joya beat us and Palmview beat us but then we started the tournaments. At the first tournament, which was at Nikki Rowe, we won. Then we won the McAllen Memorial and the Weslaco East tournaments. Then we won the district Dual tournament, which I didn’t think we’d have a chance of winning because I thought that Weslaco had a better team than we did. Finally, after placing second at Centex, we then won the La Joya tournament.” Placing fourth at a highly competitive tournament like Centex would be quite an accomplishment for any wres-

tler. The fact that sophomore Vanessa Doria accomplished this feat in just her first year of wrestling says a lot about her natural abilities and about the girls wrestling program at Juarez-Lincoln. “I didn’t really expect to do well this year,” D o r i a said. “I just

is still facing his toughest challenge head-on. “The biggest challenge is getting people to come out and come to the mats,” explained Eckley. “There’s very little youth wrestling here so we’re trying to start some. But not many people even know what wrestling is. Getting people to even try it to begin with is the biggest challenge.” One thing Eckley has been using as a selling point is the fact that wrestling is one of the few high school sports in which Valley athletes compete very well against athletes from San Antonio, Houston and Dallas.

“When I start talking about the fact that the kids down here aren’t as big, as tall or as fast as they are in other parts of the state but it’s just a 30-foot mat and 106 lbs. is 106 lbs. and 145 lbs. is 145 lbs. whether it be in the Valley, in San Antonio or in Dallas,” Eckley explained. “So this is a sport in which we’re very well set-up to succeed and with the hard-working kids we have down here, especially at Sharyland ISD, we should be really successful at this sport. It’s just a matter of filling that base and getting people comfortable with it.” One Pioneer wrestler that has already started to make

a name for himself is Dominique Rodriguez. With a 29-4 record so far this season, the 170 lb. sophomore has aspirations of being the first Diamondback wrestler to qualify for the state tournament. “I did all right last year for a freshman but I could’ve done a lot better,” shared Rodriguez. “I’ve changed weight classes from last year but I’ve also been working a lot on improving my technique and conditioning. Of course strength matters in wrestling but technique will overpower strength.” “Ultimately my goal is to qualify for state,” added

wanted to learn everything this year and hopefully do better next year. But now that I’m doing so well I’m hoping to make it to regionals. If I then make it to state, that will be pretty good.” “I thought that wrestling was going to be easy compared to cross-country and

Future is bright for Pioneer wrestling

By Luciano Guerra

tarting a sports program from scratch is no easy matter. Just ask Pioneer High School head wrestling coach, Richard Eckley who in his second year on the job is still struggling to get the number and kind of athletes he needs to make the Diamondbacks’ wrestling program successful. Having made the move from Irving McArthur High School in Irving, Texas, to the Valley to take on the challenge of getting the Pioneer wrestling program off on the right foot, Eckley

track but all the workouts have been hard,” added Doria. “Not even in track have I worked this hard. It’s been a lot of mental strain but it’s been good.” Next up for the Lady Huskies is the district tournament Friday, Feb. 5 at Edinburg Economedes High

School. The regional tournament will be held Feb. 12 and 13 at the Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio with the state tournament being held Feb. 19 and 20 at the Berry Center at the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Houston.

Rodriguez. “I push myself every day to make sure I achieve that goal. I believe that if I keep working and keep pushing myself even harder than I am already, I’ll get to the next level.” How much Rodriquez has improved since last year became much more evident when he came within one win of taking his weight class at the Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association’s state dual championship in Bryan. “We all went to the state dual championship and my record was 4-1,” Rodriguez said. “I lost my last match which was the first place match in the 170 lb. weight class.” While the Pioneer wrestling program is a work in progress, Eckley is excited

about what the future holds. “The strength of our team, and this is what is really exciting, is in our younger group,” Eckley explained. “Dominique is maybe our best wrestler by record right now and he’s a sophomore. Manuel Huerta at 220 lbs. beat a state qualifier last week at district duals and he’s a sophomore. Our heavyweight is a sophomore. Matthew Faucette at 113 lbs. is only a junior. And then we’ve got Rick Zahn and Diego Serna that are both freshmen and are contributing a lot to our team.” Next up for the Pioneer wrestling team is the District 16-5A tournament which is being held February 3 and 4 at Veterans Memorial High School.

January 29, 2016

Diamondbacks hoopsters suffer setback G By Luciano Guerra

oing into Tuesday night’s hoops action, the Pioneer Diamondbacks boys basketball team was deadlocked in a three-way tie for second place, two games behind the undefeated Edinburg Vela Sabercats. A win would’ve not only solidified Pioneer’s chances of making the playoffs but it would’ve also left the door open to the possibility of the Diamondbacks making a run at the District 31-5A title. Alas, it was not meant to be as the Sabercats jumped out to an early lead and

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never looked back en-route to an impressive 81-50 win over the Diamondbacks. As decisive as a 31-point deficit may seem, the final score was not truly indicative of the closeness of the game throughout the first half and into the third quarter. A six-point run to open the game helped the Sabercats jump out to a 22-14 lead over the Diamondbacks at the end of the first quarter. While the Sabercats did add to their lead in the second quarter to lead by 12 (43-31) at the half, the Diamondbacks opened the third quarter with a six-point run of their own to narrow the deficit to six points (43-37) with 6:30 remaining in the period. However, just when it seemed as if Pioneer was

back in the game, the Sabercats kicked their offense into a higher gear as they outscored the Diamondbacks 38-13 the rest of the way to clinch their seventh win of the district schedule against no losses. With the loss the Diamondbacks dropped to 4-3 (16-11 overall) on the season. Leading the way offensively for the Diamondbacks was junior Jordan Wilson with 13 points. Wilson, who transferred from Harlingen High School just this year, believed that the strategy the Diamondbacks used throughout the first half was what kept the game close. “Throughout the first half we played them the way we wanted to play them by slowing it down and keeping it close,” Wilson said. “We wanted to keep it close throughout the end because we know that they are not

Boys Basketball Standings

Note: Teams above dotted line represent the teams in the playoffs. DISTICT 30-6A Overall District GB McAllen Memorial 20-5 7-0 McAllen Rowe 20-9 5-1 1.5 Palmview High 15-13 3-3 3.5 Mission High 6-19 2-5 5.0 Juarez-Lincoln 6-11 2-5 5.0 La Joya High 14-13 2-5 5.0 McAllen High 11-15 2-5 5.0 DISTICT 30-6A Overall District GB Edinburg Vela 25-2 7-0 Valley View 18-12 5-2 2.0 Roma 12-15 4-3 3.0 Sharyland Pioneer 16-11 4-3 3.0 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sharyland High 6-17 2-4 4.5 Veterans Memorial 17-13 2-5 5.0 Rio Grande City 9-21 0-7 7.0

Girls Basketball Standings

Note: Teams above dotted line represent the teams in the playoffs. Overall District GB DISTICT 30-6A McAllen Rowe 20-8 8-0 McAllen Memorial 18-12 7-2 1.5 Palmview High 19-8 6-2 2.0 McAllen High 11-18 4-4 4.0 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------La Joya High 15-16 3-6 5.5 9-21 6.5 Juarez-Lincoln 2-7 Mission High 2-27 0-9 8.5 DISTICT 30-6A Overall District GB Sharyland High 21-8 6-2 21-9 6-3 .5 Rio Grande City Edinburg Vela 14-16 6-3 .5 Roma 11-19 5-4 1.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Veterans Memorial 18-13 4-4 2.0 8-23 2-7 4.5 Sharyland Pioneer Valley View 10-19 1-7 5.0

used to close games. But we started turning the ball over in the second half and we ended up playing their game at the end and they took off.” “We did make a comeback in the third quarter but then we started getting anxious and we started playing their game,” added Wilson. “Our goal now is not to lose any more games and qualify for the playoffs.” Diamondbacks’ senior point guard Rose Martin,

who transferred from McAllen Memorial last year, was Pioneer’s second highest scorer against Vela Tuesday night with nine points. Like Wilson, Martin attributed Tuesday night’s loss to the fact that they played into the Sabercats’ hands. “In my opinion we played too fast tonight,” shared Martin. “I guess we were too excited. We needed to slow it down.” While Tuesday night’s loss did drop Pioneer into a two-way tie for third place with Roma, the Diamondbacks are still in control of

their own playoff destiny as they currently hold a gameand-a-half lead over the 2-4 Sharyland Rattlers for the final playoff spot in the district with five games to play. When asked what it will mean to him personally to make the playoffs, Martin said, “It’ll mean a lot. I at least want to go into the second or third round.” Next up for Pioneer is a rematch of their first-round six-point win against the 2-5 Patriots. This game will be played tonight at 7:30 at Veterans Memorial High School.

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By Kathy Olivarez

Citizen questions council’s meeting ban

anessa Tijerina spoke to the Mission City Council during citizen’s participation at the Monday, Jan. 25, council meeting, telling them they had no right to ban a citizen from their meetings because they did not like what she was saying. While Tijerina declined to giver her address when asked for it, she said she was running for Congress and would not turn her back on an elderly lady whose complaints had been ignored for over two decades. According to Tijerina,

her client had 80 acres of land on Shary Road stolen from her and no one would help her. “I’ve got her back now,” Tijerina stated. Tijerina declined to say who her client was, and after Tijerina had spoken for a few minutes, Mayor Salinas told her not to come and criticize without knowing all the facts. In other action, the council denied two zoning requests. One was the rezoning of lots two and four of Toellner Subdivision from R-1 (single family residential) to R-3 multi-family residential. Two local residents pro-

tested, citing the flooding that already occurs in the area and the extra traffic that increased population would create for the area. The second was the zoning of lots three through six of Expressway Business Park Phase X from I-1 to R-3 for multi-family residential use. Neighboring property owners protested the rezoning at a recent Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where the rezoning request was denied. Upon hearing the protests based on increased traffic in the area and the added noise the council upheld the denial. No action was taken on

MHS Boosters Win Progress Times Contest

The Soaring Eagles Booster Club won this year’s $500 cash prize for the school with the most entries in the Progress Times Football Contest. Pictured receiving the check are (front row): Coach Tony Alvarez, Booster Club President Ramiro Garcia, and MHS Principal Edilberto Flores. Back row: MHS football players Arnold Rodriguez, Steven De Leon, Marc Garcia and Oscar Rodriguez.

Clinton Elementary selected Teacher Rewards Program wenty Clinton El- wards Program is an exten- their students’ success and

January 29, 2016

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ementary teachers were honored with

$50 Walmart rewards cards as a part of the retailer’s Teacher Rewards Program. According to Walmart Manager Lorena Piña, Clinton Elementary was chosen by a committee at Walmart to receive the award. Walmart’s Teacher Re-

sion of Walmart’s ongoing support of local initiatives that help students, teachers and their families better prepare for their future. The 20 recipients were selected due to their high attendance rate. Principal Martin Munoz said these teachers were selected because they tried to control the variables as much as possible to ensure

one of the ways they do that is by trying their best to be at work as much as possible. Even though only 20 teachers received gift cards, all teachers walked away with goodie bags. Clinton Elementary is grateful to Walmart for this recognition and the support it receives from their community.

a request for a resolution in support of Taylor Senior Village, a residential complex designed for senior citizens. The proposed complex is located at 1600 N. Taylor Road. The complex would have one bedroom/one bath units and two bedroom/two bath units. Representatives of Brownsville Affordable Housing, the developers of the property, told Salinas there is a time limit on how long the project could be considered. The mayor told the developers the council would have a special meeting, if necessary, where the proposed project could be dis-

cussed in depth. But more information is needed before the council can make a decision on it. The mayor supported placing a billboard at 1401 Conway Avenue in a location forbidden by the city’s sign ordinance. He said the location was at the midpoint between two other large billboards. “The more signs we have, the more business we have. The city of Mission is going to thrive if people advertise,” said Salinas. The council voted to approve the billboard, overriding the city ordinance, as the mayor requested.

Approval was granted for the removal of a dilapidated building at 508 N. Conway. The council called a general election for City Council places 2, Robert Plata, and place 4, Dr. Armando O’Caña, to be held in May. The City also approved the new sanitation rates as requested by Allied Waste Service for commercial accounts. Residential rates are unaffected, as the city now provides residential service in house. However, commercial garbage collection is still

January 29, 2016

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GPZ introduces new alpha male to Mandrill troop

BROWNSVILLE – For the first time in nearly two years, the Gladys Porter Zoo’s (GPZ) mandrill troop has a leader. “Sugriva,” a large, mature, 6-year-old male, was introduced to the GPZ’s family of three other mandrills on exhibit. While two, relatively small females and a young male climbed, played and sought out hidden treats, they kept a cautious eye on Sugriva as well as a respectful distance.. Sugriva’s role is important to the long-term health and well-being of the entire troop. In groups of some primates with no alpha male present, it is common for the largest females to become physical-

ly aggressive towards other members. Sugriva will not only bring social balance to the troop, but will hopefully sire new offspring. Mandrills are the largest monkeys in the world and are also known as the most brightly colored mammals in existence. Males average 70 pounds but can weigh up to 100, while females average less than 30 pounds. This threatened species is native to the rainforests of western central Africa. They often travel in large groups numbering in the hundreds. This makes them easy targets for hunters with high powered rifles. Their biggest threat, besides being hunted for food, is loss of habitat due to

competition from agricultural development and human settlement. For more information, please call the Gladys Porter Zoo at 546-7187.

Antonio O. Chavero MISSION – Antonio O. Chavero Jr., 56, passed away Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at South Texas Health Systems emergency room in Mission. He was born in Reynosa, Tamps., Mex., on Oct. 27,

1959, to Antonio Chavero and Maria De Los Remedios Olivarez. Survivors include his wife, Fabiola Chavero; children, Veronica Chavero, Patricia Chavero, Lee Anthony Chavero and Juan P.

Garza; and siblings, Americo Chavero, Aurelio Chavero, Angel Chavero, Abel Chavero, Arnulfo Chavero, Arturo Chavero, Argelio Chavero, Anita Morin, Alma Chavero and Arlene Ibarra. He was preceded in death

Maria G. Acosta MISSION – Maria Guadalupe Acosta, 85, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016 at Mission Regional Medical Center. Terry Bates MISSION – Terry Bates, 91, passed away on Monday Jan. 18, 2016 at Mission Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Gary Robert Boylan MISSION – Gary Robert Boylan, 73, passed away on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center, and cremation was held on Jan. 21. Cynthia De Anda MISSION – A funeral service for Cynthia De Anda was held on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at San Jose Cemetery in Mission. José Garcia LA JOYA – José Garcia, 94, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. A funeral mass was held

on Jan. 21 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya. Burial followed at La Joya City Cemetery. Filiberto Garza MISSION – Filiberto Garza, 69, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. Armando Artemio Gonzalez MISSION – A funeral service for Armando Artemio Gonzalez was held on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at Rivera Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens. Matthew Martinez MISSION – Matthew Martinez, 49, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 at Doctors Hospital in Edinburg. A funeral was held on Jan. 26 at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Jesus Meraz MISSION – A funeral mass for Jesus Meraz was

held on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at La Piedad Cemetery in McAllen. Maria A. Monjaras PALMVIEW – A funeral mass for Maria A. Monjaras was held on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview. Edna P. Oliviera MISSION – Edna P. Oliviera, 87, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, at Waterford Gardens in Mission. Omar Octavio Pimentel MISSION – Omar Octavio Pimentel, 19, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at his home. A funeral service was held on Jan. 25 at The Bridge Church in Mission. Burial followed at Lord & I Cemetery in Palmview.

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

NORTH MISSION CHURCH OF CHRIST 1410 E. Mile 3 Rd. • 585-0146 Palmhurst

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

NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln.

GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 11809 N. Shary Rd. • 584-3112

ONLY THRU JESUS 1511 E. Mile 2 Rd. Mission • 918-760-1625

obituaries

Notices

Annual Mennonite Relief Sale is Feb. 13

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 5609 S 29th St. - McAllen 682-4881 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 2215 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 1302 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008 IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688 IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332 IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898 LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787 MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683 NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 369-3603

OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223 OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623 OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193

DENTON – The following University of North Texas students Dean’s and President’s Lists for the 2015 fall semester. Geraldo Rey Farias and Johnglenn Garcia were named to the Dean’s List and had to complete at least 12 academic hours with a grade point average of 3.5 or more. James Rueben Cole, Phoebe J. Purvey, Michael Adam Ramirez and Elizabeth Jeanne Santelises, all from Mission, were named to the President’s List. To be named, they had to complete at least 12 academic hours with a perfect grade point average of 4.0.

by his parents, and brothers, Anselmo Chavero and Adolfo Chavero. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 21 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Corina Garcia MISSION – Corina Garcia, 77, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at Lifecare Hospital in McAllen. Mrs. Garcia was born on Feb. 9, 1938, in Mexico to the late Alonzo and Ramona (Salinas) Treviño. Survivors include her children, Graciela Luna, Gloria Cantu, Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez and Alberto Garcia; siblings, Juanita Treviño, Maria Garcia, Enedelia Gonzalez, Onesimo Treviño and Rene Treviño. She was preceded in death by her husband, José Guadalupe Garcia. Burial was held on Jan. 26 at Valley Memorial Gardens. Isabel Garza MISSION – Isabel Garza, 88, passed away on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at PaxVilla Hospice in McAllen. Survivors include her sons, Romeo Garza, Willie Garza, Leonardo Garza and Antonio Garza. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonel Garza; sons, Albertino

Fernandez and Severo Garza; and granddaughter, Laura Garza. A funeral service was held on Jan. 25 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Guadalupe Mendiola MISSION – Guadalupe Mendiola, 82, passed away on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, at Mission Regional Medical Center. She was born in San Miguel, Mexico on Dec. 12, 1933. Survivors include her children, Jose Enrique Mendiola, Javier Mendiola, Alejandro Mendiola, Roman Bazan and Lorenzo Mendiola Jr., Berta Contreras, San Juanita Mendiola, Lorena Mendiola and Prisila Mendiola; siblings, Jose Montes, Elias Montes, Hortencia Lopez, Guadalupe Garcia, Elva Renteria, Maria Montes and Cesaria Montes; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lorenzo Mendiola Sr., and brother, Rey Montes. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 26 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

in Mission. Burial followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission. Baldemar Ramirez Sr. PEÑITAS – Baldemar Ramirez Sr., 80, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at Mission Nursing Home. Mr. Ramirez was born in Peñitas in May, 1935, and was employed as the postmaster in Peñitas for 30 years. He served on the La Joya Water Supply Board, Peñitas City Council and the Peñitas Development and Conservation Club. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Dora Ramirez; children, Baldemar Jr., Eduardo, Leticia Rodriguez and Grace Cordova; and 12 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Domingo and Luisa Ramirez; siblings, Delfino, Pablo, Guadalupe, Roberto and Alberto Ramirez, Celia Zamora, Dominga Perez and Maria Farias. A funeral mass was held on Jan. 23 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Peñitas. Burial followed at Lord and I Cemetery in Palmivew.

RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838 SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

Mission • 580-4551

SAN MARTIN DE PORRES 5 mi. N. Conway, 1/2 Mile West Alton • 585-8001 & 585-8002 SPIRIT OF PEACE EV. LUTHERAN CHUCH 3104 Los Milagros Mission • 581-1822 ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325 ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1119 Francisco • 585-2701 ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005 SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078

PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236

TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway 581-4981or 585-3831

PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya

PRIMERA IGLESIA DEL VALLE APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY 210 N. St. Marie. • 585-8651

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3905 W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 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

DARRELL DAVIS

301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

Named to UNT lists

11 a.m. The craft bazaar, children’s games and live music will be available throughout the day. All activities will end at 2 p.m. Admission is free. All proceeds will go toward Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a relief and development organization that works in the U.S. and more than 50 other countries. MCC works in the areas of relief, food and water, health, education, migration and peacebuilding. Over the last 15 years, the Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale has raised over $250,000 for MCC. For more information, contact Quinn Brenneke at qbrenneke@gmail.com or 260-385-2657.

PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy. 585-3203

PROMISE LAND CHURCH 2300 E. Palm Circle (Corner of 495) Mission, TX 78572 • 624-9307

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EDINBURG – A fundraising auction, the Rio Grande Valley Mennonite Relief Sale, hosted by over 15 Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches, will be held at the Rio Grande Bible Institute (RGBI) in Edinburg on Feb. 13. Traditional quilts made by Mennonites around the country, along with other local and international items, will be available at the bidder’s call. A food court, craft bazaar, garage sale and children’s games will also be part of the event. The Mennonite Relief Sale will begin with breakfast sold in the food court at 7 a.m. The garage sale will open at 8 a.m. Auctioning will begin at 10 a.m., and lunch will be sold at

ChurCh DireCtory

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 2322 N. McColl. - McAllen 682-2092

IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

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theclassifieds page 10

January 29, 2016

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buy • sell • trade • rent • hire

this page is your oyster opening up to a world of oppor tunity

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AND AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS/NOTIFICACIÓN PARA AUDENCIA PUBLICA SOBRE FONDOS DISPONIBLES The City of Mission will conduct several public hearings to solicit comments from interested residents and agencies for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The City is expecting to receive notification of the proposed fiscal year 2016 CDBG allocation, which is anticipated to be $923,850. Comments received will be considered for preparation of the City of Mission’s Action Plan FY 2016/2017. Interested parties are encouraged to attend and make their views known. These funds can be utilized for activities benefiting low/moderate income areas and/or persons. We are accepting funding request forms for CDBG funds for Fiscal Year 2016 (October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017). Applications can be picked up at the address listed below or download from website, www.missiontexas.us. The applications are due in our office by 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 26, 2016. La Ciudad de Mission, Texas llevará a cabo una serie de audiencias públicas para solicitar comentarios a los residentes y agencias interesadas en el programa para el Desarrollo de la Comunidad (CDBG, por sus siglas en ingles). La Ciudad espera recibir la notificación para la recepción de fondos por un total de $923,850 para el año fiscal 2016. Los comentarios que se reciban serán considerados para la preparación del Plan de Acción Anual para el periodo 2016/2017. Los interesados podrán asistir a estás audiencias y exponer sus puntos de vista. También estamos aceptando aplicaciones para la solicitud de financiamiento para fondos aplicables por parte de CDBG para el año fiscal 2016 (1 de Octubre 2016 hasta el 30 de Septiembre 2017). Estos fondos podrán ser utilizados para actividades que beneficien a zonas y/o personas de bajos recursos. Las aplicaciones estarán disponibles en la dirección de nuestra página web: www.missiontexas.us. Las solicitudes deberán presentarse en nuestra oficina el día Viernes, 26 de febrero, 2016 antes de las 5:00pm. CDBG funds may be used to finance any activity that accomplishes one of the following national objectives. Los fondos del programa CDBG pueden ser utilizados para financiar alguna actividad que logre uno de los siguientes objetivos. 1. Principally benefits low and moderate income persons/Este programa beneficia principalmente a personas de bajos recursos. 2. Aids in the prevention or elimination of slum and blighted áreas/Ayuda en la prevención o eliminación de barrios marginales y zonas deterioradas. 3. Meets a need having a particular urgency/Responde a una necesidad de urgencia particular The Public Hearings are scheduled as follows/Las Audiencias Públicas son programadas: DATE/FECHA: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 PLACE/LUGAR: City Hall Council Chambers 1201 E. 8th Street Mission TX 78572 TIME/HORA: 5:30 PM

Tuesday, March 22, 2016 Marcell Elementary 1101 N Holland Avenue Mission, TX 78572 5:30 PM

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 Speer Memorial Library 801 E 12th Street Mission, TX 78572 5:30 PM

Accommodations for handicapped individuals shall be provided upon request. Arrangements can also be made for Spanish translation. Please notify the department at least three days in advance of meeting. For more information, please call or come by our office. Para personas con impedimentos o personas que desean las presentaciones en español se harán la adaptación correspondiente. Favor de comunicarse con el Departamento de Desarrollo de la Comunidad (CDBG) tres días hábiles antes de cualquier junta para hacer los arreglos necesarios. Para más información puede visitarnos o llamar a nuestras oficinas ubicadas en: City of Mission 1201 E. 8th Street Mission, Texas 78572 (956) 580-8670

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

ORDINANCE NO. 4306 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, TEXAS GRANTING A REZONING OF A TRACT OF LAND CONTAINING 1.38 ACRES, BEING PART OR PORTION OF LOT 24-7, WEST ADDITION TO SHARYLAND SUBDIVISION, FROM AO-I (AGRICULTURAL OPEN INTERIM) TO C-3 (GENERAL BUSINESS) READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

autos 1996 DODGE AMERICAN Cruiser Camper Van; 114,000 miles,19’ Long, Generator, A/C, RV Stool, Black Water Tank, Sink, Refrigerator, Cooktop, Microwave, Wardrobe, Dinette/ Queen Bed, Plenty of Storage. SALE PRICE $6,500 Gooding RV Center Mission, Tx (956)-585-4481.

helpwanted

LOOKING FOR FRY cook/kitchen, servPUBLIC NOTICE ers, bartenders, RivThe Mission City Council will hold a erside Club, Mission, Regular Meeting on February 8, 2016 call 581-1033 and ask for Jennifer. at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, mobilehome Mission, Texas in order to consider the following: I PAY CASH for your travel trailers, park Approval of Resolution # ______ in models, fifth wheels support of a Seniors-only Gated Multi- and cars. I’ll make Family Residential Community consisting you a good deal. Call Jerry Garcia at 956 of 126 units. -929-3842. If a zoning is amended during the public DRIVERS hearing, it shall be pursuant to the City CDL-A : $2500 Sign-On of Mission’s Amendatory Zone Policy Bonus! Long Haul US/ Canada. Steady Miles! Statement. Anyone interested is invited to Monthly/Annual Bonuses! attend. Health & Dental after 90 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary days. 855-645-7789

PUBLIC NOTICE The Mission Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Regular Meeting on February 10, 2016 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 256’ x 176’ tract of land out of Lot 24, New Caledonia Unit #1 Subdivision, from C-3 (General Business) to R-3 (MultiFamily Residential); and Rezoning: A 1.322 gross acre tract of land, more or less, out of a 7.21 acre tract of land out of Lot 29, Bell-Woods Co’s Subdivision “C”, 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

INVITATION TO BID

CITY OF PALMVIEW CHAMPION ESTATES STREET & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

INVITATION TO BID CITY OF PALMVIEW PALMVIEW MUNICIPAL PARK - RESTROOM RENOVATIONS

RECEIPT OF BIDS: Sealed Bids addressed to City of Palmview (hereinafter called owner), will be received on February 19, 2016 until 10:00 a.m. at the owner’s office located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas 78572. Any Bids received after the specified time and date will not be considered and returned to bidder unopened.

Envelopes must be clearly marked: CITY OF PALMVIEW CHAMPION ESTATES STREET & DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

Envelopes must be clearly marked: CITY OF PALMVIEW PALMVIEW MUNICIPAL PARK – RESTROOM RENOVATIONS

OPENING OF BIDS: The Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:05 a.m. on February 19, 2016 at the owner’s conference room located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas 78572.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Paving and drainage improvements including concrete work, drainage structures and earthwork.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Interior renovations/improvements to add plumbing fixtures to toilets at Palmview Municipal Park.

SITE OF WORK: Champion Estates is located within the City of Palmview along Mile 1 Road, approximately 750 LF west of La Homa Road. The proposed improvements will be within the stated site.

SITE OF WORK: Palmview Municipal Park is located at Palmview Commercial Dr., Palmview, Texas 78572. The Proposed improvements will be on the existing property located at the referenced address.

OBTAINING BID DOCUMENTS: The Bid Documents entitled City of Palmview, Palmview Municipal Park – Restroom Renovations may be obtained at SAMES, Inc.’s office located at 200 S. 10th Street, Suite 1607, McAllen TX, upon payment of $100.00 (nonrefundable) for each set of Bid Documents.

BID SECURITY: Each Bid shall be accompanied by a certified or cashier’s check or Bid Bond in the amount of 5 percent of the Total Bid Price payable to City of Palmview as a guarantee that the Bidder, if its Bid is accepted, will promptly execute the Agreement. If a bid bond is provided, the contractor shall utilize a surety company which is authorized to do business in Texas in accordance with Art. 7.19-1. Bond of Surety Company; Chapter 7 of the Insurance Code. A bid shall not be considered unless one of the forms of Bidder’s security is enclosed with it.

BIDS TO REMAIN OPEN: The Bidder shall guarantee the Total Bid Price for a period of 60 calendar days from the date of bid opening.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: There will be a pre-bid conference to discuss the scope of the project and bidding requirements at 2:00 p.m. on February 12, 2016 at the owner’s conference room located at 400 W. Veterans Blvd., Palmview, Texas. Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend. Detailed technical questions may be submitted in writing, but technical questions will be answered, if warranted, by addenda later. Oral statements may not be relied upon and will not be binding or legally effective.

PROJECT ADMINISTRATION: All technical communications relative to this work shall be directed to the ENGINEER prior to opening of the Bids.

SAMES, Inc. 200 South 10th Street, Suite 1607 McAllen, Texas 78501 Telephone: 956-702-8880 Attention: Saul D. Maldonado, P.E.

OWNER’S RIGHTS RESERVED: The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in a bid, and to make awards to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder as it may best serve the interest of the OWNER.

January 29, 2016

Buckner names new senior VP for Children and Family Services

Progress Times

rad Barnett has been “Brad’s values encapsulate are members of Bent Tree named Senior Vice our Buckner core values. He Bible Fellow-ship. They Get Noticed! President of Buck- exhibits Christ-like quali- have three children. Come by and place your ad with us today. ner Children and Family ties, he has a Servant’s SpirServices starting Sept. 1, it, and he’s Passion-driven.” according to Buckner InterBrad and his wife Julie national President and ORDINANCE 2016-02-0126 CEO Albert Reyes. Amending Ordinance 2014-14-0923 ORDINANCE NO. 4307 Reyes made the announcement to trustees AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND ADOPTING and staff today, citing COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MISSION, VARIOUS STANDARD FEES RELATING TO Barnett’s business ex- TEXAS GRANTING A CONDITIONAL INSPECTIONS, ZONING, PLAN REVIEW, AND perience and his calling USE PERMIT FOR DRIVE-THRU ADMINISTRATIVE OVERSIGHT WITHIN THE CITY to serve children and SERVICE WINDOWS – LA CURVA OF ALTON, HIDALGO COUNTY, TEXAS; WAIVING families as unique skills TAQUERIA, 2575 E. GRIFFIN SECOND AND THIRD READING AND PROVIDING Barnett brings to his PARKWAY, STE. 12, LOT 1, TRES FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. new role at Buckner. PICOS PH. I SUBDIVISION “Brad’s extensive READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, READ, APPROVED, AND PASSED on this the 26th day of business background, January, 2016. THIS THE 25TH DAY OF combined with his life’s JANUARY, 2016. mission to ‘live a life Salvador Vela, Mayor Norberto Salinas, Mayor for Christ and use all the ATTEST: Baudelia Rojas TRMC|CPM, City Secretary Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary talent He gave me in the process’ position him well for his new role with Buckner,” Reyes MISSION CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT said. “I am excited STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES, AND CHANGES that Brad’s knowl- IN FUND BALANCES - GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS edge of business tac- FOR THE YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2015 tics and processes are being linked with our 10 50 60 BCFS staff’s extensive Debt Construction knowledge and expe- Data General Service Fund rience in quality care Control Fund Fund 2008 for vulnerable children Codes REVENUES: and families. Buckner $22,520,396 $2,829,360 $65,885 is blessed to have the 5700 Local and Intermediate Sources 110,685,013 6,698,719 9,158 most capable leaders in 5800 State Program Revenues 13,900,236 --child care anywhere in 5900 Federal Program Revenues 5020 Total Revenues 147,105,645 9,528,079 75,043 the nation.” As senior vice presEXPENDITURES: ident, Barnett will Current: oversee all of BuckInstruction 76,335,997 224,303 ner’s domestic and in- 0011 Instructional Resources and Media Services 2,469,658 146,575 ternational child and 0012 Curriculum and Staff Development 3,370,391 -family care operations, 0013 Instructional Leadership 1,896,047 -including its adoption 0021 School Leadership 8,871,624 -and maternity services 0023 Guidance, Counseling, & Evaluation Services 4,752,026 -and spiritual develop- 0031 0032 Social Work Services 241,281 -ment. Health Services 1,328,254 2,331 A native of Okla- 0033 Student Transportation 3,686,481 -homa, Barnett most 0034 Food Service 11,774,954 -recently served as Vice 0035 Cocurricular/Extracurricular Activities 5,930,447 -President of Global 0036 General Administration 4,140,895 -Operations for Adams 0041 Plant Maintenance and Operations 16,194,995 -Golf in Plano, Texas. 0051 Security and Monitoring Services 1,377,795 -In his role at Adams, 0052 Data Processing Services 2,559,464 -he helped the company 0053 Community Services 241,442 -strengthen its produc- 0061 -35,780,000 -tion processes. He was 0071 Principal on Long-term Debt 129,608 5,647,954 -also involved in the 0072 Interest on Long-term Debt -763,595 -merger and acquisition 0073 Bond Issuance Costs and Fees 13,007,511 6,431,992 of Adams into Taylor- 0081 Capital Outlay Made-Adidas Golf in 0095 Payments to Juvenile Justice Alternative 0095 Education Programs 5,332 --June of 2012. 239,668 --Prior to joining Ad- 0099 Other Intergovernmental Charges Total Expenditures 158,553,870 42,191,549 6,805,201 ams Golf, he was Se- 6030 nior Vice President of Operations with 5.11 1100 Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over (Under) Expenditures (11,448,225) (32,663,470) (6,730,158) Tactical in Modesto, 1100 Calif., a company speOther Financing Sources and (Uses): cializing in designing Refunding Bonds Issued -69,255,000 -and producing equip- 7901 Sale of Real or Personal Property 57,614 --ment used worldwide 7912 -3,268,286 -by first responders. His 7915 Transfers In -9,276,712 -career also includes 7916 Premium or Discount on Issuance of Bonds (3,289,524) --service at The Co- 8911 Transfers Out Payment to Bond Refunding Escrow Agent -(48,706,543) -ca-Cola Company and 8940 (3,231,910) 33,093,455 -United Parcel Service. 7080 Total Other Financing Sources and (Uses) (14,680,135) 429,985 (6,730,158) Reyes emphasized 1200 Net Change in Fund Balances that Barnett’s person76,725,535 674,817 34,911,091 al and professional 0100 Fund Balances - Beginning $62,045,400 $1,104,802 $28,180,933 values were attributes 3000 Fund Balances - Ending that brought him to the forefront as a candidate for the position. The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.

ORDENANZA NO. 4309

ORDINANCE NO. 4308

APROBACIÓN DE LA ORDENANZA CONVOCATORIA PARA LLAMAR A VOTACIONES GENERALES EN LA CIUDAD DE MISSION TEXAS PARA LA ELECCIÓN DE LOS MIEMBROS DEL CONCILIO PARA LOS PUESTOS DOS Y CUATRO. SITIOS DE VOTACIÓN Y OTRAS CUESTIONES RELATIVAS A ESA ELECCIÓN READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2016. 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 SALE & ON-SITE CONSUMPTION OF BEER & WINE – YALLA HABIBI MEDITERRANEAN & BISTRO, 1522 E. EXPRESSWAY 83, STE. 114, LOT 4, STEWART PLAZA SUBDIVISION READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

LEGAL NOTICE Company Name: Billing Address:

page 11

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Family Dollar Stores, Inc. P.O. Box 1017, Attn: Tax and Licensing Department, Charlotte, NC 28201-1017

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit by Family Dollar Stores of Texas LLC d/b/a Family Dollar Store #10352 located at 3312 East Main Avenue, Alton, Hidalgo County ,TX 78573 Officers of said Limited Liability Company are: Howard R. Levine, Chairman, CEO and Director Jason Reiser, Executive VP - Chief Merchandising Officer Barry W. Sullivan, Executive VP - Store Operations Mary A. Winston, Executive VP - Chief Financial Officer Robert L. Rogers, Senior VP - Real Estate James C. Snyder Jr., Senior VP - General Counsel and Secretary Bryan E. Venberg, Senior VP - Human Resources Jonathan E. Broz, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary Erik D. Gast, VP - Finance and Treasurer Jose M. Luis, VP - Real Estate Development Thomas E. Schoenheit, VP - Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary Family Dollar Holdings, Inc., Managing Member (officers are same as listed above)

Personal classified rate: Business classified rate:

$7 for 15 words $15 for 15 words 25¢ each additional word thereafter

25¢ each additional word thereafter

ORDINANCE NO. 4309 AN ORDINANCE CALLING A GENERAL ELECTION IN MISSION, TEXAS PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION OF COUNCILMEMBERS FOR PLACES TWO AND FOUR; PROVIDING FOR POLLING PLACES AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO SAID ELECTION. READ, CONSIDERED AND PASSED, THIS THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2016. Norberto Salinas, Mayor Attest: Anna Carrillo, City Secretary EXHIBIT C-2

98 Other Governmental Funds

Total Governmental Funds

$1,023,121 1,348,737 14,555,114 16,926,972

$26,438,762 118,741,627 28,455,350 173,635,739

9,421,783 24,410 1,683,555 255,375 203,257 2,959,354 -412,602 -584 1,067,481 5,719 ---913,258 ---595,426

85,982,083 2,640,643 5,053,946 2,151,422 9,074,881 7,711,380 241,281 1,743,187 3,686,481 11,775,538 6,997,928 4,146,614 16,194,995 1,377,795 2,559,464 1,154,700 35,780,000 5,777,562 763,595 20,034,929

--17,542,804

5,332 239,668 225,093,424

(615,832)

(51,457,685)

---

21,238 (594,594)

69,255,000 57,614 3,289,524 9,276,712 (3,289,524) (48,706,543) 29,882,783 (21,574,902)

2,524,119 $1,929,525

114,835,562 $93,260,660

----

21,238

page 12

The third grade authors

By Lea Victoria Juarez en students at Agape Christian School in Mission became authors this year when they published their book “3rd Grade Monkeys Race.” The students in Nancy Olmos’s third grade class drew on their own experiences to tell the tale of two group of monkeys in third grade who are competing against one another in a foot race. It is their own version of author Jerry Spinelli’s book “Third Grade Angels.” Every page in the 31page book is written and illustrated by the students, a process which that took about four to five weeks. “Everybody had a job to do. They would go home and work on an illustration or write and the next day we would come together around the table and they would say “Oh, I like what she has’ or ‘I like what he drew,’” Olmos explained. “It was a lot of teamwork, which is line with the theme of the book.” In the story, every student is a character and a few teachers from around school are also featured as characters with a little twist to their

January 29, 2016

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name. Olmos is a flamingo so her character is Mrs. Flamos. Principal Donna Leidner is a rhinoceros and her character is Mrs. Leidnoceros. Another teacher with the last name Garza became Ms. Garzebra. Every aspect of the book came from the students, with Olmos gently guiding them through the process. While they were putting the book together, the students utilized their writing, social study skills, art and science knowledge, in addition to working with technology. Both Brian Lopez and Mia Carlos said their favorite parts of project was researching about monkeys and their habitat in order to have their drawings be as real as possible. “3rd Grade Monkeys Race” was published through Studentreasures, a free writing activity for students of all ages. Each student received a book and then they brought the story to life with an author reading for their parents. “Seeing the whole process from beginning to end and seeing their faces of like ‘Wow, I did that’ was awesome,” Olmos said. “Even

though it was a very long process for them, the accomplishment was the best part.” Olmos has worked with Studentreasures in previous years with her classes, but most of the students in her class this year have been together since prekindergarten, so the dynamic was a little different. “Our school teaches about love and trust a lot, and since they’re just 10 students you tend to get attached,” the teacher said. “The fact that it’s just a very small class, it worked out really well. There wasn’t a lot of arguing and they helped each other out, which goes along with the territory. They’re very united.” The moral of their story is that teamwork and determination will help the monkey’s succeed, which is what helped the students succeed in completing their book. “When you fall, you keep trying and keep going,” Olmos said. “And that’s something that we adopt and we tell them ‘Don’t ever give up. And eventually you better yourself.’”

Rep. Muñoz champions two new state laws By DAVID A. DÍAZ Legislativemedia@aol.com

hildren who are victims of sexual assault now have 15 years instead of five years to bring civil lawsuits against alleged sex offenders or others who are liable for the injuries sustained as a result of such crimes, said Rep. Sergio Muñoz, Jr., D-Mission, who supported House Bill 189, which became state law on September 1, 2015. House Bill 189, which was approved by the Legislature late last spring, also removed any statute of limitations on the criminal prosecution of suspected serial rapists, whether their victim is a child or an adult. “I have a proven record in the Texas Legislature of supporting the creation of laws, policies and new funding that protect crime victims and prosecute criminals,” said Muñoz. “I have no pity for rapists, child molesters, or other sexual predators, and I never place the blame of these victims because it is never their fault.” Prior to the passage of HB 189, there was a 10-year statute of limitations in the criminal prosecution of sex offenders who were considered serial rapists. A statute of limitations is generally defined as a law that sets a time limit for bringing certain kinds of legal action. Sexual assault is generally defined as any unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact against any individual by another. Chapter 22, Section 22.011 of the Texas Penal Code provides the legal definition of sexual assault while Chapter 22, Section 22.021 details the offenses which are aggravated sexual assault. In 2014, according to the Texas Department of Public

Safety, there were 18,756 sexual assaults in the state, an increase of 5.1 percent over 2013. In the United States, according to the Office of Justice Programs: Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 211,200 rapes and sexual assaults went unreported each year to police between 2006 and 2010. House Bill 189, effective Sept. 1, 2015, was needed because of the seriousness of these crimes and the special circumstances that can limit when these victims are ready to speak out about the crime, according to the bill analysis by the House Research Organization. Despite these circumstances, a measure of justice always should be available to victims of these crimes, the HRO report stated. The House Research Organization is the research arm of the Texas House of Representatives, and it prepared detailed analyses of all major legislation that is scheduled for a vote by state lawmakers. Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, the author of HB 189, provided some of her key perspectives soon after she first filed the legislation on Nov, 10, 2014, which was approved by the Legislature on June 1, 2015, and signed into law by the governor on June 18, 2015. “Rape is a horrible crime that is not only physical but mental,” said Thompson. “According to the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, sexual assault is a crime in which the assailant uses sexual contact to inflict humiliation or to exert power and control over the victim. Currently, there are 1.8 million survivors of sexual assault in Texas.” As for the civil lawsuit aspects of HB 189, Muñoz, an attorney, said any crime

victim may be able to seek monetary damages against people who caused them harm. According to the National Center for Victims of Crime: Regardless of the outcome of the criminal prosecution, or even if there was no prosecution, crime victims can file civil lawsuits against offenders and other responsible parties. Unlike the criminal justice process, the civil justice system does not attempt to determine an offender’s guilt or innocence. Offenders are also not put in prison. Rather, civil courts attempt to ascertain whether an offender or a third party is liable for the injuries sustained as a result of the crime. If defendants are found civilly liable, courts may order them to pay monetary damages to victims. While money awarded in civil lawsuits can never fully compensate a victim for the trauma of victimization or the loss of a loved one, it can be a valuable resource to help crime victims rebuild their lives. Moreover, the exposure to civil liability is a powerful incentive for landlords, businessmen and other proprietors to enact the security measures necessary to prevent future victimizations.