April 24, 2015 - Progress Times Issue

Friday, April 24, 2015

www.ptrgv.com | 50 Cents

Mission police officer hopes to represent Valley A

By Julie Silva

veteran, a police officer and businessman, 26-year-old Paul Williams believes he has the experience and leadership to give the Rio Grande Valley a voice in Washington, D.C. “I grew up in a home of public servants,” said Williams, emphasizing that he is a third-generation Marine.

“Service is something that I’ve known since I was a kid. It’s something that I was born to do. It’s my calling from God – to serve.”

Williams, a democrat, recently announced his candidacy for the 15th Congressional District of Texas, challenging long-time Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, a democrat who’s served near-

ly two decades in the district, which stretches from McAllen to Seguin. Ruben Villarreal, former Rio Grande City mayor and a republican, also is campaigning for the spot.

Among Williams’ primary goals as a congressman is bringing a veterans hospital to the Valley, increasing opportunity for higher education and bringing jobs.

Respect and discipline Williams grew up in a household where respect and discipline were valued, and several things happened when he was 13 to convince him to pursue life as a Marine. It was the year after 9/11, and his father had been in a near fatal car accident.

It forced Williams to grow up fast as he had to take care of his injured father. His dad

had served in Desert Storm.

His grandfather had served during the Korean War. “I’ve always told people when I make up my mind, my mind is set,” Williams said. “I might be young, but I know what I want.”

Months after he turned 17 in the first semester of his senior year, Williams turned down a track scholarship to join the Marines. By the end of the school year, Williams had two choices, get shipped off to training in May or wait until June.

He went to his school administrators and worked with them to graduate a week early, so he could leave in May. He didn’t see a need to wait a month when he knew what he wanted. He didn’t walk across the stage, and he

skipped out on prom because none of that mattered.

It was 2006, and Williams opted out of officer school because he was afraid the war would be over by the time he graduated college.

“And when I got to Iraq, I had the biggest smile on my face,” Williams said. “I truly believe that there is no greater honor than to be able to serve your country. Whenever I have kids, I hope that they serve.”

He served two tours in Iraq and had considered a third in Afghanistan when instead he decided to come home to a job in law enforcement. His dad already had moved from Austin, where Williams grew up, to the Val-

See WILLIAMS 12

‘A NEW START’

Teachers from Mission CISD drove to Austin Saturday to take part in the Save the Schools Rally, which has taken place during the last three legislative sessions to remind lawmakers how their actions affect people in the classroom.

Courtesy photo

MCISD teachers attend Capitol rally

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By Lea Victoria Juarez eachers from Mission CISD and across the Valley drove to the state Capitol to have their voices heard at Saturday’s Save the Schools Rally.

For the last three legislative sessions, education coalitions have banded together to let lawmakers know how their actions affect people in the classroom. Educators, parents, students and legislators throughout Texas gave presentations and performances on hot topics like testing and funding.

Fifth-grade MCISD teacher Nydia Alvarez-Alonzo is just one of hundreds that attended the rally.

“They hear a lot of Austin teachers and San Antonio but they don’t hear a lot from the Valley voices,” Alvarez-Alonzo said. “I think our kids deserve for us to go up there and say ‘Hey, think about us, too’ because that funding is critical for them.”

The science and social studies teacher of 15 years

is president of the Mission Classroom Teachers Association, a local chapter of Texas Classroom Teachers Association. TCTA has been in action since 1927, fighting for teachers rights and advocating on their behalf.

Other organizations at the rally included the Parent Teacher Association, Texans Advocating For Meaningful Student Assessment and Association for Texas Professional Educators.

Alvarez-Alonzo said changes have been made because of the rally and other avenues taken to speak out.

For example, during the 2013 legislative session, students were expected to pass 15 end of course exams, but the number was reduced to five.

“It’s not just the rally itself, it’s following up, contacting the representatives and making sure that they understand,” she said. “They heard from parents, they heard from the educators,

See RALLY 13

Family gets new home after fire

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By Julie Silva

TOP: Erika Zavala and her five children stand with Hidalgo County Pct. 3 Commissioner Joe Flores and other members of the community in front of Zavala’s brand-new three-bedroom home. ABOVE: Pictured is the Zavala family’s 980-square-foot home, constructed after they lost everything a house fire in March.

“Today, I’m feeling happy because today we get our new house. I’m really grateful to everyone who helped, especially Joe Flores and Ted” – Erika Garcia

INSIDE

INDEX

rika Zavala and her five children were reduced to sleeping in tents when their home burned down the Friday before Spring Break.

Saturday, however, the children streamed in and out of their brand new three-bedroom home, carrying waters and other supplies for a celebration. As Hidalgo County Pct. 3 Commissioner Joe Flores and members of the community gathered outside, Zavala’s children taped a sign to the front of the house thanking everyone, particularly Flores and a builder named Ted Snavely, who were instrumental in putting a new roof over the family’s heads.

“It’s the first day we’re going to be in there. We’ve started decorating and everything,” said Erika Garcia,

Zavala’s 16-year-old daughter. “It’s a new start. It’s a new life, practically everything’s going to start all over again.”

Garcia said her mom was at a school meeting at about 6 in the evening with Garcia’s 13-year-old sister when the fire sparked. It started in Zavala’s bedroom, where Garcia’s 9-year-old sister Kettzya Garcia was asleep.

She smelled smoke and her hair had been singed, but she awoke in time to alert the rest of the family and everyone made it out of the house.

Still, they’d lost everything. They slept in tents and someone loaned the family a camper to live in on the property, located on Buena Fe Street north of Mission.

Flores said he received calls about the fire from elementary school teachers at

See A NEW START 12

Mission names new parks and rec director

Lady Rattlers golf team state bound

Early voting begins

The City of Mission named Brad Bentsen as the new Parks & Recreation Department director, effective April 1.

The Sharyland Lady Rattlers golf team won the 31-5A district championship at Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg April 6 and 7.

With seats open in Sharyland ISD, Peñitas and Alton, voters will be hitting the polls across the region starting Monday.

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Entertainment | pg. 2

Lifestyle | pg. 6

Opinion | pg. 4

Sports | pg. 8

Obituaries | pg. 11

Classifieds | pg. 13

entertainment

UTPA University Theatre presents classic Sam Shepard play

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DINBURG – “True West,” an American classic by Sam Shepard, one of the country’s most celebrated actors, directors and playwrights, will be the final Main Stage performance this spring by University Theatre Productions.

The dark comedy examines the relationship between two estranged brothers – one, a screenwriter, and the other, a thief – who have reconnected while housesitting for their

mother.

Directed by Assistant Professor Peter Mikolasky, the production will run April 24-25 at 7:30 p.m., and April 26 at 2 p.m., at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre, located inside the Arts and Humanities Building (ARHU), corner of University Drive and Sugar Road.

This play contains language and/or subject matter that may be offensive to some audience members.

Ticket prices are $12 for reserved seating, $8 for general admission, and $3 for non-UTPA students with school ID. UTPA students, faculty and staff are admitted free, with one free guest, with UTPA ID. Tickets go on sale one hour prior to each performance. No children below the third grade will be admitted.

For reservations, group reservations, more information, or if special accommo-

dations are needed, contact the University Theatre Box Office at (956) 665-3581.

The Main Stage season consists of four full-length plays during the fall and spring semesters produced by the University Theatre. Each runs for one week. The goal of the University Theatre is to give the audience, actors and crews a wide opportunity of each theatrical period, style and genre, from Greek tragedy to modern comedy.

of dance styles as it presents three works by guest choreographers from different universities. Rhodes, from Stephen F. Austin State University, will present Fiesta, a lively Latin jazz ensemble piece.

McNeil Chand, an assistant professor of dance from California Polytechnic State University, pays tribute to the 1920s Charleston dance craze with A Side, B Side. Set to two pieces of music by Parov Stellar, A Side, B Side is an exploration of contemporary and classic jazz movement.

The title refers to the fact that the two sections of music and dance are different just like the two sides of a record.

Each section is its own experience and can stand-alone, yet go better together. Wright, assistant professor of dance at Lamar University, will present an emotional duet enti-

tled The Next Chapter? This piece examines the dynamics of overcoming challenges and adversities within an intimate relationship.

UTPA senior Barajas will present Plains of the Serengeti, an African inspired ex-

tension of a historic understanding of the genesis of dance movement influenced by primitive tribes that live amongst wild animals in Africa. Wantland, a UTPA se-

UTPA Dance Ensemble Spring Concert set for April 30-May 2

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he University of Texas-Pan American Dance Ensemble will present its annual Spring Dance Concert at the new state-of-the-art UTPA Performing Arts Complex April 30 through May 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will include works by guest artists Libby Rhodes, Christy McNeil Chand, and Golden Wright, and pieces by UTPA Dance Ensemble Artistic Directors Min Kim and Dana Shackelford. The concert will also feature performances by senior dance majors Jossue Barajas and Courtney Wantland, whose choreography was featured in this year’s South-Central American College Dance Association regional conference.

The UTPA Dance Ensemble Spring Concert promises to be filled with a variety

LJISD Theatre to perform West Side Story

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a Joya High School will perform their third and final musical for this school year, West Side Story.

The show will be presented by the Academy Coyote Theatre students with collaboration from the choir students as well.

Their first performance will be held Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. with two performances on Saturday, May 2 at 1 and 7 p.m. Tickets are gener-

al admission at $6 each and will be sold at the door, one hour prior to the beginning of each performance. The performances will be held at the La Joya Performing Arts Center, 604 N. Coyote Blvd. in La Joya.

The musical was written

by Authur Laurents with music y Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

For ticket information, call Velma Cisneros at 323-2898.

See CONCERT 7

LJHS freshman announced as finalist in Big Squeeze Accordion Contest

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f you’re from the Rio Grande Valley, then you know good accordion music when you hear it. Whether it be the Tejano or Norteño sound, most Valley residents grew up hearing it everywhere at family gatherings, at home, or in the car.

For the love of this Valley tradition, La Joya ISD honors those who dedicate their time to accordion music at the annual conjunto festival in the month of February. During this event, Texas Folk Life sponsors the Big Squeeze Accordion Competition where contestants 21 years of age and younger compete to win first place in each of three categories. For weeks, the organization travels all over the state auditioning and searching for the next Accordion King or Queen.

Results of the contest were just released in early April and 15-year old La Joya High School student, Raul Elian

Resendez was named one of 10 finalists.

Resendez began playing at age13 and hasn’t stopped since.

“I come from a musical family and grew up listening to music all the time. My grandfather, specifically, is my inspiration because him playing is the first memory I have of an accordion,” added Resendez. “When I heard that

See RESENDEZ 7

April 24, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Coming Attractions

April 24 Fulden Wissinger, assistant art professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, has a solo exhibit at the Titan Studio in Harlingen. Entitled Turkish Delights, Wissinger’s work represents her heritage and her life growing up in Istanbul. The exhibit will be on display at Titan Studio through Friday, April 24.

She works in mixed media including clay with objects and graphic design. Titan Studio is located at 203 N. Commerce.

April 24-29 Originally scheduled to begin April 1, UT-Pan American professor and art instructor Douglas Clark will conduct a sculpture workshop at the Upper Valley Art League (UVAL). Beginning April 8, it will be held once a week for four weeks on Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

Materials and tools will be furnished. No experience is necessary. The class fee is $150 for UVAL members and $180 for nonmembers. Sign up at the UVAL desk during regular gallery hours. It is located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center, 921 E. 12th in Mission. Call 583-2787 for further information.

April 27-May 6 Upper Valley Art League had an opening reception April 11 for the Artist Unanimous Juried Exhibition. The Exhibit will run through May 6. UVAL is located in the Kika de la Garza Fine Arts Center at 921 E. 12th St., in Mission.

April 24-26 Disney on Ice will be in the Rio Grande Valley at State Farm Arena with their newest production spinning off the hit animated movie “Frozen.” Performances will run for five days with varying show times. Prices range from $20 to $75. Times and tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

April 24 Jokes R Us Comedy Series will perform at the McAllen Civic Auditorium from 8 to 10 p.m. The event features Joey Medina, Alex Ortiz, Sonia Trevino and host Mario Superstar Salazar. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster of McAllen Convention Center Box Office or 956-648-2333.

April 26 Sunday Speaker Series at the Museum of South Texas History will consist of a concert by Edinburg North Mariachi, high school students performing hits from yesterday, mariachi style, from 1-3 p.m. Concert is including with admission. For more information, call 956-3836911. MOSTH is located at 200 N. Closner Blvd. in Edinburg.

April 30-May 3 South Texas College Theater presents The Highest Heaven by Jose Cruz

Gonzalez at the Cooper Center on the Pecan Campus, 3200 W. Pecan Blvd., in McAllen. It will be performed from 5 to 8 p.m. all four nights. For more information, call 956-872-2301.

May 2 The City of Harlingen will present Fiesta Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lt. George Gutierrez Jr. Park, 500 W. Harrison Ave. Children’s activities, live music, and cultural performances are scheduled during the fiesta at the park in the La Placita District. Contact Harlingen Convention & Visitors Bureau Events Manager Esmeralda Martinez about sponsorships and details at (956) 423-5440 or emartinez@ myharlingen.us.

May 7-10 University Theatre Productions at UTPA present Coraline, the Musical, written by Stephen Merritt and David Greenspan and based on the novella Coraline

by Neil Gaiman. The musical will be performed in the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre on the corner of University Dr. and Sugar Rd. from 7:30 to 10 p.m. For more information call 956-665-3581.

May 9 · Undefeated former lightweight world champion Omar “Panterita” Figueroa (24-0-1, 18 KOs) will take on former two-division world champion Ricky Burns (37-4-1, 11 KOs) in the main event when Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) returns to CBS on Saturday, May 9, at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo.

In the co-main event, a pair of bantamweight world champions square off when Tomoki Kameda (31-0, 19 KOs) battles Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs).

Tickets start at $25. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the State Farm Arena Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 7453000. · From 5 to 10 p.m., the McAllen Convention Center’s Oval Park will host the Sunset Live Outdoor Concert Series: Red, White and Blue. This event is free and family- and pet-friendly. Drinks, food, artisan market, activites and live music will be present at the event.

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 583-5961 or email Doodrey@netzero.com for more information.

To see the complete Coming Attractions calendar, go to www.ptrgv.com.

April 24, 2015

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Early voting begins Monday

arly voting in several area races begins Monday. Among races on the ballot in Hidalgo County are those in Sharyland ISD, the city of Peñitas and Alton.

Progress Times is hosting a forum for Sharyland ISD candidates Saturday, April 25, at 1 p.m. at the Penny Payte McLeaish Learning Resource Center at Shary-

land High School. The community is invited to attend.

SISD recently moved to single-member districts and two seats are up for grabs – Place 3 and Place 4. Trustees Fernando Ramirez and Eddie Montalvo did not file for reelection.

Former board member Suzanne Peña filed for Place 4, along with La Joya

ISD Principal Jose “Pepe” Garcia, attorney Robert Puente and chiropractor Kevin Sparks.

In Place 4, Melissa Martinez-Smith, a retired educator and local business owner will face attorney Cesar O. Aguilar.

H-E-B debuts new mobile app

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-E-B has launched a new mobile app built to save shoppers time and money with innovative ways to assemble and manage shopping lists, redeem digital coupons, and research products and recipes.

The app is available for download from the Apple iTunes store and the Google Play store, and coincides with the launch of an allnew look for heb.com. H-EB’s new website and mobile platform integrate features seamlessly from desktop to handheld device.

The H-E-B app introduces a digital shopping list integrated with a product catalog that allows shoppers to: build a shopping list, check if the product is typically available in their store, identify exactly where in the store the product is located (by aisle and shelf), automatically order the shopping list according to store layout.

Shoppers can even email

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their shopping lists to friends or family members planning a trip to the store. The app automatically organizes the shopping list by each product’s in-store location and that dramatically speeds up the time it takes to shop.

“The shopping list feature really changes the instore experience,” said Linda Tovar, H-E-B senior manager of public affairs. “Because it automatically locates and organizes items according to store layout, that means no more searching aisles or shelves. And no one needs to go back and forth through the store following a handwritten shopping list that isn’t organized by store layout. This is going to be a real time saver for our shoppers.”

There are multiple ways to create and modify shopping lists including uploading receipts, using smart phones to scan product barcodes in the

See H-E-B APP 12

Reminiscing...

30 Years Ago This Week

Three athletes were set to represent Mission in track and field Three athletes from Mission High School were scheduled to participate in the Region IV-5A track and field meet in San Antonio.

David Alvarez and Ramiro Carmona, under Coach A.C. DeAnda, were set to participate in the boys division. Alvarez was the first-place winner in district in the 3,200-meter run and Carmona finished second.

Sonia Treviño, under Coach Lucy Guerra, also was set to attend. Treviño finished second in the 400-meter run in district.

Two Mission tennis players were named to All-District first team Abraham Padron, who qualified for the regional tennis tournament, was listed on the first team boys’ squad along with Bobby Galligan.

An amusement park zoning request was denied The Mission City Council denied a request for a conditional use permit to place an amusement park adjoining Heritage Square Mobile Home Park.

The council’s action came after the Planning and Zoning Board recommended the permit be denied. Developer Joe Vasquez requested the permit to construct in Hertage Commercial Plaza No. 1, and it caused an uproar among residents of the mobile home park.

Political Ad paid for by candidate

Early voting schedule Monday, April 27: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28, through Friday, May 1: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

(Alton closes at 5 p.m.)

Saturday, May 2: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Voting Locations Monday, May 4: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sharyland ISD: Mission Boys and Girls Club (Alton closes at 5 p.m.) at Bannworth Park, 1822 N. Shary road, Mission Tuesday, May 5: 7 a.m. – 7 p .m.

Peñitas: City Hall Annex, 1320 S. Main St. (Alton closes at 5 p.m.)

Alton: City Hall, 509 S. Alton Blvd.

opinion

By Ed Sterling Texas Press Association

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Senate passes version of 2016-2017 state budget

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USTIN — The Texas Senate on April 14 passed its version of the 2016-2017 state budget. Because the House- and Senate-approved budgets are $1.6 billion apart, five Senate members and five House members will be appointed to a conference committee to resolve differences.

The Senate’s version of the budget totals $211 billion in state and federal funds to pay for state services over the next two fiscal years.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, who spearheaded the writing of the legislation, said the budget is one that “will keep our state strong, prosperous and compassionate.”

Nelson pointed out that transportation funding under CSHB 1 would increase by almost $5 billion over the current allotment. “That includes $2.4 billion in oil and gas tax revenues approved by voters last November and $1.3 billion from ending diversions of transportation funds to other parts of the budget. The rest of the additional money is contingent on passage of a measure that would authorize a one-time shift of motor vehicle sales tax funds to the Texas Department of Transportation.”

According to Senate documents, CSHB 1 also would fund border security efforts at “unprecedented levels” by sending $811 million to the Texas Department of Public Safety and associated agencies to pay for manpower, technology and training along the border. Nelson also said CSHB 1 devotes $373 million to cover caseload growth in Medicaid.

Senate passes contract bill Senate Bill 543, legisla-

tion to strengthen oversight and management of state contracts by Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, was unanimously approved by the full Senate on April 14.

“Poor management of some contracts results in inadequate delivery of goods and services and costs taxpayers millions of dollars,” Zaffirini said, adding that her bill “would improve state contracting at every stage of the process, including planning, procurement, contract formation and oversight.”

SB 543, Zaffirini said, is complementary to SB 20 by Senate Finance Committee Chair Nelson, passed by the Senate last month to crack down on the contracting practices of state agencies.

Both bills have come in the wake of a series of investigative stories by the Austin American-Statesman that brought to light a $110 million no-bid contract awarded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Border cameras get results Texas Department of Public Safety on April 13 announced its law enforcement effort using a motion-detection camera array along the Texas-Mexico border, was responsible for some 29,300 apprehensions and more than 44 tons of drugs seized in 2014.

Motion-detection cameras used in “Operation Drawbridge” are placed on farms and ranches near the border.

According to the DPS, when a smuggling or suspicious event is detected, an alert is sent to border county sheriffs, the U.S. Border Patrol and the DPS, who work together to arrest suspects.

Traffic camera bill moves Senate Bill 714 by Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood,

legislation to ban police departments’ use of red light cameras in the ticketing of motorists, was passed by the Senate Transportation Committee on April 13. The bill next will be considered by the full Senate.

Figures furnished by the state Comptroller’s office suggest that banning the automated cameras statewide would result in an estimated loss of $96.5 million in general revenue in fiscal year 2016.

Jobless rate falls in March Texas Workforce Commission on April 17 announced the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent in March, down from 4.3 percent in February.

According to the agency, Texas has not seen a rate this low since July 2007 and continues to trend below the national average of 5.5 percent. Notably, however, the Mining and Logging sector, which includes oil and gas employment, saw a decline in March with the loss of an estimated 2,800 jobs statewide.

House approves ‘carry’ bill On a vote of 96-35, the House on April 17 tentatively approved CSHB 910, allowing a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun. A final vote on the bill may be taken this week.

A House-Senate conference committee would have to be named so differences between the House bill and a similar bill passed earlier by the Senate could be hashed out. A final, agreed-upon version then would go before the House and Senate for a final vote.

The City of Mission has placed large containers at the following locations for the public to throw away any large bulky items I.E. mattresses and furniture (no tires & no refrigerators because of the freon) FREE to the citizens NO CONTRACTORS!!

Jaycee Park - Los Ebanos Rd. & Barnes St. Birdwell Park - Stewart Rd. & 24th City Warehouse - 609 Canal Water Tower Entrance - N Lucksinger & Bus 83 South of Fire Substation - 2 1/2 Mile & Inspiration Nell Toll Park - South Parking Area Francisco St. & 2 Mile Line - North of Drain Ditch Los Indios & Beatty St.- Madero Park - at Water Tower Melba Center - Between Conway & Mayberry at Drain Ditch (Containers Available thru May 2nd)

For more information contact the City of Mission

956-580-8780

April 24, 2015

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

A Texas recipe for luck

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effrey Fuquay has a simple outlook on business.

“The harder you work, the luckier you get,” Jeffrey says. And he should know – as the owner of TJ Blackburn Syrup Works, Jeffrey has seen how nearly nine decades of hard work can turn a scrap of paper into a Texas icon.

Fuquay’s grandparents, Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Blackburn and his wife Lurline, started TJ Blackburn Syrup Works in Cass County, Texas in the 1920s. The Blackburns were struggling to get by and had turned to renting a spare bedroom in their already modest home to drifters in return for chores and other meager payments.

One couple came through in 1927 and could offer only a scrap of paper with a misspelled “Receipt for Huney” scribbled on it.

The Blackburns mixed the recipe back in their tool shed, and with a few tweaks, came up with a signature syrup. Word got out among their neighbors, and soon enough people started wanting a batch for themselves. TJ took to the streets in his Model-T Ford delivering freshly-jarred syrup door-to-door.

Eighty-eight years later, the Blackburns have upgraded from four wheels to 18, and a single Model-T has been replaced by a full-scale trucking operation. They’ve grown from a family mixing sugars in an old wash pot to a Jefferson, Texas, based operation employing 65 – many sharing the Blackburn ancestry.

Their secret to success?

Blackburn’s syrup is made from ribbon cane, a Southern favorite over more common maple and honey-based varieties. Fuquay told the Marshall News Messenger, “it has more of a bite, a real strong flavor…I can think of maybe only two other companies that still use sugar cane.”

Of course, to cater to growing demand beyond East Texas, Blackburn Syrup Works has expanded its catalogue of sweet spreads to include honey and maple-based syrups, as well as a variety of jams and preserves. And with that, the local family-owned company went national; Blackburn’s syrups and jams – once carried only as far as TJ’s Model-T could take him – are now sold in all 50 states.

Despite national fame,

Fuquay has kept Blackburn Syrup Works true to its Texas roots, picking most ingredients from Texas farms.

Even the fruit that isn’t grown in Texas still is American-grown.

Another Blackburn trademark that’s stood the test of time is the iconic glass mug.

And for good reason – sales have fallen when different types of containers have been used.

Fuquay explained, “Your eyes gravitate toward the mug,” and then the quality keeps you coming back to their sweet spreads.

Of course, over 88 years, some things have changed: there are now sugar-free and fructose-free options to cater to those watching their waistlines. And not surprisingly, they’ve upgraded their plant in Jefferson quite a few times to keep up with growing demand and technology.

What will always remain is the age-old Texas-made quality, and the message behind the success of the Blackburn family’s syrup enterprise: as Fuquay reminds us, luck doesn’t come without a lot of hard work.

weapon smuggling, and an influx of dangerous criminals and potential terrorists,” said Senator Birdwell. “I’m extremely proud of the bipartisan support for SB 3, which will help the Department of Public Safety (DPS) sustain and appropriately expand their successful efforts to tackle these problems statewide.”

The Texas Senate adopted much of the Texas House bill’s language to increase border security in Texas but added the following language to strengthen the legislation: • Reinforces the crucial role of the National Guard in securing the border • Immediately allows DPS to implement southbound checkpoints

• Provides funding for a statewide ten-hour workday for the DPS • Reorganizes the Transnational and Organized Crime Division of the Office of the Attorney General to assist with border prosecutions with an enhanced focus on human trafficking and other trans-national crimes • Creates a multi-agency training facility in the Rio Grande Valley, which will serve local, state and federal law enforcement authorities.

“I thank Senator Birdwell and the Texas Senate for this very important vote.

“National security starts with border security and border security starts in Texas,” Patrick stated.

Patrick makes statement on border bill

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t. Governor Dan Patrick and Border Security Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Brian Birdwell released the following joint-statement upon the passage of Senate Bill 3 (SB 3)

by Senator Birdwell, 26-4: “Securing our border has always been a federal government responsibility but a Texas problem,” said Patrick.

“Now that the Texas Senate has overwhelmingly passed its state budget, funding border security at historic levels ($811 million), it was the appropriate time to pass SB 3.”

“In the absence of the federal government’s constitutionally-mandated duty, the state of Texas has shouldered the burden of stopping human trafficking, illegal drug and

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1217 N. Conway • Mission, TX (956) 585-4893 MEMBER 2015

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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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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.

April 24, 2015

Mission names Brad Bentsen Parks & Recreation director

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he City of Mission named Brad Bentsen as the new Parks & Recreation Department director, effective April 1.

Bentsen fills the vacancy left

by Julian Gonzalez who resigned last December to take over as city manager for the City of Hidalgo.

Bentsen comes to Mission from McAllen Parks & Recreation where he served 10 years as parks superintendent and horticulture manager. At McAllen, Bentsen was in charge of all exterior building maintenance and supervised construction projects.

He also created maintenance scheduling for the management of McAllen’s approximately 50 parks.

Prior to going to work for McAllen, he was self-employed as a landscape contractor, doing landscape design and maintenance.

Bentsen said he is looking forward to improving the quality of park maintenance and beautification of Mission’s city parks, including initiating an herbicide and fertilization program.

In addition to park maintenance, Bentsen will be in charge of Parks & Recreation programming of activities.

“I am so pleased to be working with the City of

Mission,” Bentsen said last week. He said his first priority is “to be a good steward of what has been placed in my care. However, what I’d like to do and what I’ll realistically be able to do are two different things. I have spent a part of this first week and a half inventorying and assessing the parks and city facilities, which are in need of some TLC regarding equipment replacement and repairs.

“What we as a team first need to do is to complete all current projects prior to taking on new ones. I feel with the support of the Parks Board, City Commission and city staff, after the needed maintenance to ensure the safety and aesthetics of what we already have, we can begin with the review and update our current Master Plan.”

Mission CISD’s literacy push about to kick off

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ission Consolidated Independent School District officials have been quietly planning and building a literacy push that will be anything but quiet as it goes public.

Throughout this school year, the district has been putting things in place for its Read to Lead program that will have two large events in the next few weeks.

The first will take place on April 27 at 9 a.m. at each Mission CISD elementary school. Each of the district’s 14 elementary schools will participate in the Texas Reads One Book celebration that will be led, via video feed, by Jason Garrett, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Garrett will read the first chapter of “The World According to Humphrey,” by Betty Birney. Then, Mission CISD students will continue to read the book in school, and at home with family members over the following days/weeks. Each elementary student will receive a copy of the book for their home libraries.

“I believe we are the only district in the Rio Grande Valley that will have all its elementary students participating in this state event,” said Ricardo López, super-

intendent. “As the hometown of former Dallas Cowboys coaching legend, Tom Landry, this seemed like a perfect way to really begin our Read to Lead push.”

López said part of what the district is focusing on is creating future leaders, and the fact that leaders are readers.

Other activities are also being created as a part of the Texas Reads One Book program. The district has designated the day of the Texas Reads One Book event as Hall of Fame Day. Tom Landry, the Dallas Cowboys, and some of the community’s history will play a role in many of those activities. Students will continue to read the book, both in school and at home and will be encouraged to read it with members of their families.

The next event will be so large it will take a whole stadium to hold it. The morning of Tuesday, May 19, all of Mission CISD elementary students will be bused to Tom Landry Stadium for a giant reading rally to kick off the district’s summer reading program. As a part of this program, each elementary student will be given a backpack with two books to be read over the summer, along

Palmview HS senior artist receives another honor

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ne very talented Palmview High School student keeps adding to his senior portfolio’s list of accomplishments after winning a local art contest.

Jorge Luis “Arrow” Villarreal Jr. last resulted as the LJISD Holiday Card winner back in December, and now the senior has been selected as the first-place winner in a public service project sponsored by the Hidalgo County Bar Foundation.

Annually, the foundation’s educational program coordinates a photo, poster, and essay competition for students in Hidalgo County schools, and this year, Villarreal took the top spot in the

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Law Day Poster division.

The winning entries were sent to compete at the state

level to win cash awards, and Villarreal’s first-place entry also earned him second place

statewide of the 2015 State Bar of Texas Law Day poster contest.

To honor him and his creativity, Villarreal has been invited to the State Bar of Texas Law Day Celebration to be held on May 1 at the state Capitol. There, the State Bar of Texas and Texas Young Lawyers Association will recognize the PHS senior and present him with his award during a special ceremony.

Along with recognition and a cash prize, Villarreal will have the opportunity to take a tour of the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

with an interactive journal for students to complete before school starts again in late August. The book titles students receive will be based upon their grade level.

Students and teachers are being encouraged to come to the rally dressed as their favorite book character. Music and fun activities are being planned for the reading rally.

“We want reading to be something students think of as a fun activity,” said Cris Valdez, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “These activities are just the starting point of helping our student build their reading skills, but to also discover that reading can be fun. We need help them explore the different genres of books on their own, for pleasure reading; as opposed to assigned reading which tends to take some of the joy out of it for many students.”

Valdez also indicated one

of the main purposes of a summer reading program is to help fight the summer slide that happens while students are away from school. Summer programs are designed to help student retain more of what they have learned the previous school year.

Valdez said the district is also hoping to help students and families build their own home libraries of books and are also working on helping teachers build up their classroom libraries to help students explore the many different types of books that are available to them.

“We are also focusing on providing teachers will additional training to help them work with students in this area of need,” Valdez said.

Summer reading programs are also being developed for junior high school and high school grades.

These will take on combination of traditional print and electronic formats.

lifestyle

Summer conservation jobs for teens at Laguna Atascosa NWR

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aguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for the summer of 2015. This program will employ four area youth to work full-time for eight weeks.

The YCC is a federally funded work-learn-earn program aimed at developing an appreciation and understanding of the Nation’s environmental and natural heritage. The YCC has introduced young Americans to conservation opportunities on public lands since the program was cre-

ated in 1970. Several staff at Laguna Atascosa started their conservation careers by participating in the YCC program.

Participants must be at least 15 years old and cannot reach 19 during the term of employment. They must be a permanent resident of the United States and have a social security card prior to the first day of work. Projects will include facility maintenance, habitat improvement and other biological and outdoor work.

The work schedule will be June 8 through July 31, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Selected youth must be

available for the entire work period; time off is not available for camps, vacations, etc.

The salary is the federal minimum wage $7.25 per hour.

Participants will need to provide their own transportation to and from the refuge daily.

YCC applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. April 24, and can be received by contacting Marion Mason at (956) 748-3607 ext. 119, email marion_mason@fws. gov, or stopping by the refuge Visitor Center, open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The refuge is located about 18 miles east of Rio Hondo and 17 miles north or Port Isabel, TX , off FM106.

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NEWS | SPORTS | ENTERTAINMENT | PHOTOS

Mark your calendars for Stamp Out Hunger on May 9

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he National Association of Letter Carriers’ Food Drive celebrates its 23rd year helping the hungry on Saturday, May 9, 2015.

This one day food drive is easy to do; just leave non-perishable food items in a bag by your mail box on the morning of Saturday, May 9, and your letter carrier will pick it up.

All donations will stay right here in the Rio Grande Valley.

The food drive effort is the nation's largest single-day drive. In 2014, 72.5 million pounds of food was collected, which brought the grand total of donations to more than 1.3 billion pounds of food collected since the drive began in 1992.

There won’t be postcards or bags this year as reminders

SPI Birding and Nature Center UTRGV joins UTPA in discussing Friday night announces April diabetes at MORE Health @UTPA hike at McAllen Nature Center presentations r. Francisco Fernan- erson, assistant professor of njoy a spring evening

S

pring has arrived on the island. Bees, birds, and butterflies are the topics during April presentations at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.

On Wednesday, April 15, Marilyn Lorenz, long-time birder, will talk about bird migration on South Padre Island using photographs from her husband’s portfolio of last year’s Island migration.

On Wednesday, April 29, Texas Master Naturalist Anita Westervelt will give a presentation about native plants in the Rio Grande Valley and the butterflies that depend on those plants.

Presentations begin at 2 p.m. and last about an hour.

Admission to the center is $5 and includes the event. For pass holders, it is $1.50.

A series of nature movies is scheduled each Monday and Thursday at 2 p.m. through April. Guided bird walks are available. The birding center is located at 6801 Padre Blvd. For more information visit www.spibirding. com.

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dez, inaugural dean of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, and Dr. Sarah Williams-Blangero, director of the South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, are scheduled to speak at the third annual MORE Health @UTPA, which runs from April 30 through May 2 at The University of Texas-Pan American.

Fernandez will deliver the keynote address, “RGV's 3 D's: Depression-Dementia-Diabetes Continuum” on April 30 at the UTPA BallWilliams-Blangero room. will discuss “The South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute: Advancing Health and Research in the Valley” on May 1 in the Health Sciences and Human Services East Building Room 1.114. Both speeches will begin at 9 a.m. on their respective days.

A panel discussion will follow Williams-Blangero's speech and will include Dr. Jose Gamez, a pediatric endocrinologist with South Texas Health System; Dr. Rob Gilk-

biology at UTPA; Eduardo Olivarez, chief administrative officer of the Hidalgo County Health Department; and Dr. Manish Singh, medical director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance.

With the theme ‘Por Salud y Vida,’ the three-day event will include research presentations from students and faculty. On Friday, May 1, students from various disciplines within the college will present their work at a student inter-professional education and practice demonstration on how they collaborated in determining the best treatment for a fictitious patient.

UTPA College of Health Sciences and Human Services Dr. John Ronnau said the college chose the 'Por Salud Y Vida' theme to highlight what the college, medical school and the institute were doing in the fight against diabetes and related health issues.

“The initial premise, purpose behind MORE Health

See DIABETES 7

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with the creatures of the night at the McAllen Nature Center. The Center is offering a night hike on Friday, April 24 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring a flashlight, bug spray, and wear close-toed shoes. Participants will look for spiders, bats, frogs, toads, and nocturnal birds including pauraques and nighthawks.

If lucky, visitors might see a snake or an owl. This program is offered free of charge.

McAllen Nature Center is located at 4101 W Business 83, between Bentsen Road and Ware Road. Park admission is free. For more information on the McAllen Nature Center, contact the City of McAllen Parks and Recreation at (956) 681-3333.

of this event, so mark your calendars now.

“The letter carriers have always done an amazing job getting the word out to the community about the need,” said Terri Drefke, chief executive officer of Food Bank RGV. “We are so thankful for their efforts and the generosity of the people and businesses who give every year.”

For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, visit www.helpstampouthunger. com or www.facebook.com/ StampOutHunger, and follow the drive at www.twitter.com/ StampOutHunger.

For more information, contact Yara Doyle, Retail Partnership Manager, (956) 904-4533.

Events Calendar

Apr il 24 – UVAL member Veronia Jaeger will have an exhibit opening at Beyond the Arts Gallery in Harlingen, 114 A. Street, at 7 p.m.

Apr il 25 – Navy Junior Reserve Office Trainings Corps Anniversary 5K Run will be held in San Benito. For more information, visit jrotc5k.com or call Chief Gaytan at 956276-6075.

Apr il 26 – St. John of the Fields Catholic Church will hold a Chalupa from 2-5 p.m. Three cards are $20. There will also be a Jamaica from 5-10 p.m. There will be food, games, folkloric dancers and live music for the entire family. The church is located at 1052 Washington St. in Mission.

May

May 3 – Valley Nature Center will host the Tip of Texas Orchid Society meeting at 2 p.m. with special guests that will share the wonderful world of the Philippines and Asian Species Orchids. The Center is located at 301 S. Border Ave. in Weslaco. For more information, call 956212-0032 or 956-969-2475.

May 7 – Dine on the Lawn: Taste of Spain will take place at Frontera Auduon at 6 p.m. The flavors of Spain will be met by sounds of Spanish guitars and Flamenco dancers’ rhythmic steps. Tickets are $70. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.fronteraaudubon.org or call 956-968-3275.

May 9 – The last spring Edinburg World Birding Center (EWBC) Toddler Play Date is all about dragonflies.

Geared for families with children ages 1 to 4, activities include puppet shows, story-telling, puzzle time, free play, coloring, crafts, and guided walks throughout the grounds. It runs 9 to 10:30 a.m. Cost is $2 per toddler with free admission for one guardian. The EWBC is located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Rd. Call 381-9922 for information and to register.

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

Free Society News Announcements

Quinceanera, engagement, wedding, milestone anniversary* and milestone birthday** announcements are run FREE of charge in the Progress Times.

The quinceanera, wedding, anniversary and birthday announcements should be submitted no later than two months after the event date. Engagement announcements must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the wedding date.

Quinceanera and milestone birthday photos are upper body, single column of the individual only; no group shots. Engagement, wedding and anniversary photos of the couple are run two columns in size.

For questions or to obtain the appropriate form to submit with a photo, send an email to communitynews@progresstimes. net, call the Progress Times at 585-4893. Please include a contact name and phone number for all inquiries.

April 24, 2015

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A focus on community service earns VMHS HOSA students national honors

he volunteer work of Health Occupations Students of America at Veterans Memorial High School is earning them state and national honors.

The students received

DIABETES

is to certainly make people aware of all the good things in the college, but event more importantly, to promote health and wellness in the community, to give attention to the topic of health,” Ronnau said. “We know that it has to be a continuous effort to give people the education and the information they need to make healthy choices and to help them understand why some foods are better than others for our health and understand the importance of movement and exercise.

That's what really this event is all about.”

MORE Health @UTPA culminates with its Community Day Saturday, May 2, with physical activity events and a community health fair.

The day will start with a 5K Rehab Club Fun Run at 7:30 a.m., followed by Bucky's Fun Health Walk at 10 a.m. Both walk/run events

CONCERT

nior dance major, will present FIN, which was recently selected to be part of the South-Central American College Dance Association Gala Concert. This is the first time a UTPA student has advanced to the Gala Concert.

Wantland was one of only three undergraduate students whose works were selected for the concert.

Shackelford, a UTPA Dance faculty member, will choreograph Support Systems, a work set to the music of composer Johann Johannsson. It explores the physi-

the Barbara James Service award at the recent state HOSA conference for contributing more than 100 hours in job shadowing and volunteer programs at local hospitals and other facilities. from pg 6

will be at the Bronc Trail and are open to the public.

A Community Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the UTPA Ballroom and Quad and will include information booths, vaccinations, food and games.

Register at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/morehealth-utpa-2015-tickets-16298635658 to participate in MORE Health @ UTPA events.

RESENDEZ from pg 2

I was a finalist, I felt excited and the feeling hasn’t gone away – I wanna win!”

Finalists will perform at the finals concert on April 25th in Austin where three grand prize winners will be selected. The winning musicians will each receive a cash prize, a new accordion, and performance opportunities in Austin and Houston. from pg 2

cal and practical realities of weight sharing and the resulting vulnerabilities that we as humans experience when we “let go” and put our trust in others. Kim, also a UTPA Dance faculty member, will be presenting a contemporary work in progress.

Tickets will be available at the door. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $5 for children and students with ID. For additional information, contact the Dance Program Office at (956) 665-2230 or visit http:// www.utpa.edu/programs/ dance.

They will also receive the HOSA Presidential Service Award at the HOSA National Leadership Conference to be held in June. These student are: Brittany Buentello, Brittany Bazaldua, Karina Farias, Carlos Tello, Alejandro Hernandez, Isaac Martinez, Fernanda Marrero, Kimberly Garza, Gabriel Lira, Jose Sanchez Castillo, Alyssa Guajardo, Frida Barragan, Bryanna Cantu, Zenaida Alaniz.

Three VMHS HOSA students will also be recognized at the national conference for their fund raising efforts for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. This is a part of the

See HOSA 12

Pictured are Veterans Memorial High School HOSA students who will be advancing to the national conference. Courtesy photo

April 24, 2015

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Palmview’s Leonel Perez pitches no-hitter

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By Luciano Guerra hree Juarez-Lincoln Huskies came up to bat in the top of the first inning against Palmview Lobos pitcher Leonel Perez and all three went down swinging. That was a preview of things to come as Perez, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher in his sophomore year, struck out a total of 12 Huskies Tuesday night while throwing his first no-hitter as a varsity pitcher.

While Perez did walk four and had one hit batsman, he held the Huskies hitless and held scoreless throughout the game as the Lobos improved their District 30-6A record to 10-0 (15-2-1 overall), defeating Juarez-Lincoln 9-0. With the loss, the Huskies dropped to 0-10 in district (2-17 overall).

The fact that Palmview had already clinched the district title before Tuesday night’s game did not seem to affect their play on the field as they took advantage of Huskies errors to turn a 1-0 lead in the middle of the fifth

to a 9-0 victory by tacking on four runs in the bottom of the fifth and another four in the sixth.

As Palmview High head baseball coach Manuel “Ricky” Garcia shared after the game, the Lobos’ recipe for success all season long has been good fundamental play on the field, timely hitting and solid pitching.

“That’s what we stress with our kids,” Garcia said.

“We tell them that when you play sound fundamental baseball good things are going to happen. It’s just a matter of being patient throughout the game, but things will eventually happen in our favor.”

As for the performance of his young pitcher Garcia said, “Leo is just a sophomore but he is one of our top pitchers. He started on the junior varsity last year but I moved him up to varsity based on his performance. He threw a no-hitter tonight which is the second no-hitter we’ve had thrown by a sophomore.”

Having already qualified for the playoffs for the fourth year in a row and having

clinched back-to-back district titles for the first time in school history, the Lobos are looking to beat last year’s post-season success.

“We made it into the third round of the playoffs last year,” explained Garcia.

“It’s always a coach’s goal to exceed the previous year’s success, but when you go into the playoffs it’s a brand new season against top-notch teams so a lot of things can happen.”

“We’re taking it one game at a time right now,” added Garcia. “We’re focusing on finishing our district season strong. We still have McAllen Memorial and McAllen High to play and if we start out flat against either of them like we started out flat tonight, we’ll be putting our undefeated record in jeopardy.”

After the game and after he was done running laps and having ice bags stretchwrapped to his pitching shoulder and elbow, Perez spoke about the no-hitter.

“This was my first on the varsity level, but I have had two or three no-hitters during

summer ball,” shared Perez.

“I threw a lot of fast balls tonight, but my best pitch was my curve ball. It was my strike-out pitch.”

As for how it feels to have clinched back-to-back district titles Perez said, “It feels pretty good. I have a feeling that we’re going to go to the

third round of the playoffs or further this year. So far this season we’ve been hitting the ball well and our pitching has been on, so if we can continue that we should be able to go further.”

The Lobos will be traveling to McAllen Memorial to play the 5-5 Mustangs to-

challenge for a district championship. That’s what’s supposed to happen.

But the Lady Diamondbacks walked away with the championship trophy at the District 31-5A track and field championship meet at Rio Grande City last week in this their inaugural season. Apparently Coach Sandra Guerrero and her girls don’t believe in letting what is supposed to happen keep them from doing what they do best as they literally hit the ground running by claiming the first-ever district title in Pioneer High School track and field history.

Having made the move from Sharyland High to Pioneer over the summer, Guerrero is well on her way to continuing the winning tradition she was a part of as Lady Rattlers athlete and then as a coach, but now with the Lady Diamondbacks.

“We had a streak of win-

ning district championships in track and field since I was a freshman in high school,” shared Guerrero. “We won every district title from my freshman year to my senior year and it continued on until we made the jump from 4A to 5A. That was when we had to go up against a tough Rio Grande City team. I was an assistant at Sharyland at that time and we lost out to the Lady Rattlers the first two years we were in 5A, but we won every other year since my freshman year.”

For the most part, Pioneer’s first-year success can be attributed to the fact that several former Lady Rattlers are now Lady Diamondbacks. That includes several seniors who chose to transfer to Pioneer even though they had the option of finishing off their high school track careers at Sharyland.

That was the case with

Leonel Perez throws out one of his many no-hit pitches.

Progress Times photo by Luciano Guerra

night at 7 and will be closing out their regular season at home against the 6-5 McAllen High Bulldogs Tuesday evening also at 7 p.m.

Lady Diamondbacks hit the ground running

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By Luciano Guerra on’t tell the Sharyland Pioneer Lady Diamondbacks track team this, but it’s supposed to take time for a first-year sports program to be competitive.

They’re supposed to struggle for years and if all goes well then maybe, just maybe, they can become a playoff contender and possibly even

LEFT: Lady Diamondbacks – Isabel Mendoza, Kassy Torres, Lizette Chapa, Brianna Landavazo, Bridgette Famiglietti, Nadia Gutierrez, Brianna Garcia, Raquel Beltran, Angelika Bazan, Valerie Diaz, Jocelyn Valdez, Malaya Pistokache, Rebeca Martinez, Ashley Gonzalez, Nora Monie, Valeria Martinez, Marie Aguilar, Chelsea Chandler, Jayda Garcia Not pictured – Jenin Morales and Victoria Elizondo

Ashley Gonzalez who was part of the Lady Diamondbacks’ first place 4 x 100m, 4 x 200m and 4 x 400m relay teams and tied for first in the long jump, but losing the tie-breaker to earn the silver medal.

“I chose to transfer to Pioneer because of Coach Guerrero,” said Gonzalez. “She’s a really good coach.”

Junior Jayda Garcia, who was the first leg of Pioneer’s 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m relays and finished first in the 100m dash, expressed what it means to her to be part of the first ever district champion Lady Diamondbacks’ track team when she said, “It’s a great feeling to know that this is the first year as Pioneer and we’re district champs. It’s been a lot of hard work, but that made it all pay off.”

The Lady Diamondbacks

See TRACK 9

April 24, 2015

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MEDC agrees to $3 million in incentives for food manufacturing plant expansion

he Mission Economic Development Corporation agreed to offer a company $3 million in incentives over the next 10 years if it expands in Mission.

Leaders at MEDC have been vague about the project, and during a March public hearing referred to two companies involved as Company A and Company B. At the hearing, Alex Meade, CEO of the MEDC, stated Company A has put in an offer on Company B, and if the deal goes through, Company A will be investing about $50 million into the area. If the acquisition agreement does not go through, Company B likely will shut down, Meade said.

In the notice for the public hearing, MEDC officials planned for $4 million in incentives, but after discussing the project in executive session, board members voted to approve only $3 million over 10 years in yearly increments.

The MEDC already met with Hidalgo County and requested help with funding from the state. Meade said the county agreed to pay 25 percent of what the city of Mission pays. He expects to receive between $300,000 and $500,000 from the state.

The board also approved $450,000 for the medical school and held a public hearing on another budget amendment that would bring utilities to an area between La Homa and Schuerbach on

Mile 3 Road.

Daniel Silva, MEDC chief operating officer, said there’s a project taking shape in the area that would include retail and residential construction. If the budget amendment is approved, the MEDC would pay for half of the costs to extend the utilities, with a total cost estimated at $140,000.

The board also scheduled a public hearing May 28 to discuss a budget amendment that would set aside $30,000 for a second coding project.

Silva said MEDC’s Code the Town has been so successful that an entity has approached MEDC to start a second program. More details will be revealed at the public hearing, Silva said.

beat out the Veterans Memorial Lady Patriots, who were the district runner-ups, by a score of 179-140. The Sharyland Lady Rattlers broke their district championship winning streak, placing sixth out of the seven teams at the district meet with a score of 53.

Among the individual district champions for the Big 7 schools’ girls are Pioneer’s Nora Monie (shot put and discus), Jayda Garcia (100m dash), Isabel Mendoza

(400m dash), Lizette Chapa (3,200m run) and Kassandra Torres (300m hurdles). Other individual district champs are Veterans Memorial’s Mariah Gonzales (200m dash) and Sharyland’s Aylin Alvarez (high jump). The Lady Diamondbacks also took the district titles in the 4 x 100m, the 4 x 200m and the 4 x 400m relay races.

As for the Big 7 schools’ boys, individual district championships were won

by Sharyland’s Sean Landez

(100m dash), Rene Guillen (1,600m run) and Marcus Pena (110m and 300m hurdles). In addition, Veterans Memorial’s Jordan De Leon (discus), Luis Trujillo (pole vault), Jesus Mata (800m run) and G.J. Reyna (3,200m run) and Pioneer’s Johnny Howell (shot put) all earned district champ status.

The Sharyland boys’ team placed second overall at the district meet, while Pioneer placed third and Veterans Memorial placed fourth.

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By Julie Silva

TRACK

from pg 8

Lady Rattlers golf team state bound

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he Sharyland Lady Rattlers golf team won the 31-5A district championship at Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg April 6 and 7. Lady Rattler Ana Jose Erana was the individual district champion.

Sharyland placed second at the regional tournament at the Republic Golf Course in San Antonio. Erana won the regional individual championship in a two-hole playoff.

As second regional run-

ner-up, the Lady Rattlers qualified for the state tournament, which will be played at The Wolfdancer Golf Club at Lost Pines in Bastrop, April 27 and 28. This will be the third trip in a row to the state tournament for the Sharyland Lady Rattlers.

Members of the Lady Rattlers’ golf team include Erana, Christina Shinn-Roldan, Michelle Moroles, Raquel Flores, Mariana Flores and Veronica Perez. The Lady

Rattlers are coached by Fernando Rodriguez.

Pioneer High’s Carina Hernandez also qualified for the state tournament.

She made the trip to state as a sophomore last year but as an alternate for the Lady Rattlers. Hernandez scored 75 and 75 for a total score of 150 at the regional tournament, which placed her second among the individual qualifiers and sixth overall.

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April 24, 2015

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South Texas College scholarship available VMHS student earns National for permanent City of Mission residents Achievement Scholarship

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he Mission Economic Development Authority in partnership with South Texas College invites permanent residents of the City of Mission who are interested in furthering their education to apply for the MEDA scholarship by June 30, 2015. The MEDA scholarship is specific to residents who have lived in Mission for two or more consecutive years, have earned a high school diploma or GED and would like to obtain a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree from South Texas College.

In order to qualify for this opportunity, permanent residents of the City of Mission must also meet certain criteria. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or legal perma-

nent resident, provide a copy of a Permanent Residency Card, must have earned six college credit hours prior to applying for the MEDA scholarship and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5. The MEDA scholarship is available for full or part-time students. Full-time is considered 12 credit hours and part-time is 6 credit hours.

The MEDA scholarship is available for undergraduate students.

“This is the second year that I’ve qualified for the MEDA scholarship,” said Kayla Castillo, an elementary education student at South Texas College. “It has been such a help to me and my family. It’s as if a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I hope other

T

Kayla Castillo, an elementary education student at South Texas College, is utilizing the MEDA scholarship to help pay for books and transportation costs to the Pecan Campus in McAllen. Courtesy photo

students who live in Mission will apply and take advantage of this kind of scholarship opportunity.”

This scholarship may be received for up to four semesters for full-time students and up to eight semesters for part-time students. To be eligible for renewal, previous recipients must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA at the end of each semester, must have enrolled at least parttime for a minimum of two semesters, must remain in good standing with financial aid, and must maintain their residence within the Mission city limits.

The application process includes completion of a 2015-2016 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the MEDA Scholarship application. In order to better serve current and future students, South Texas College Advising, Admissions and Financial Aid Centers at the Pecan, Mid-Valley and Starr County Campuses will be open throughout the semester under normal hours of operation and under extended hours of operation as we approach summer. Applicants are invited to use this resource for any questions

regarding the FAFSA application.

“We would like to thank MEDA for providing this scholarship opportunity for the permanent residents of the City of Mission who wish to continue their education at South Texas College,” said STC Associate Dean of Student Financial Services & Veterans Affairs Miguel Carranza. “We encourage the community to take advantage of our hours of operation to receive assistance in completing their FAFSA, visit with an advisor or with the Office of Admissions and Records to start the registration process.”

The MEDA scholarship application is available online at studentservices. southtexascollege.edu/finaid/scholarships/meda. html. The completed application must be submitted to the STC Office of Student Financial Services along with all required documentations by June 30, 2015.

All scholarship applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee and all zcommittee decisions will be final. For more information, call the STC Office of Student Financial Services at 956-872-8375.

he National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced the names of about 800 outstanding black American high school seniors who have won Achievement Scholarship awards through the National Achievement Scholarship Program. These awards are financed by grants from 30 corporate organizations and professional associations, and by National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Darius Davis from Veterans Memorial High School is the only student in the Rio Grande Valley to earn this honor this year.

The National Achievement Scholarship Program is a privately financed academic competition established in

Darius Davis. Courtesy photo

1964 specifically to honor scholastically talented black American youth and to provide scholarships to a substantial number of the most outstanding participants in each annual competition.

See DAVIS 12

MHS students place in top ten at state with 3D animation project

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wo students from Mission High School were the first to advance into state competition in the area of 3D animation. Osorio Rocio and Gustavo Castorena received second place recently at the SkillsUSA District 13 competitions. This qualified them for the state level SkillsUSA competition that was held recently.

In a very close competition, the MHS duo placed eighth in the state.

The link to their 3D anima-

tion is on the Mission CISD YouTube Channel, http://youtu.be/M6DwkvDL7Bg. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry representatives working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student to excel. SkillsUSA is a national organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service occupations.

Pictured are Osorio Rocio, left, and Gustavo Castorena.

April 24, 2015

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obituaries

Rosario Davila A JOYA/BURGOS, Tamps. - Rosario Davila, 70, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Mission Regional Medical Center in Mission. He was born in Mexico on November 17, 1944.

He is survived by his children, Silvia Garza, Osbaldo Davila, Erika Moreno, and Nancy Reyna; his brothers and sisters, Venancio Davila, Ramona Garcia, Antonia Ramirez, Guadalupe Davila, Demetrio Davila, Selestina Gonzalez, Sarah Jaurequi, David Davila, Maribel Hernandez, and Esther Hernandez; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Davila; his parents, Rosario and Manuela Davila; and his brother and sister, Librado Davila and Alma Chavez.

Services were held April 16 at Flores Funeral Home in Mission. Interment followed at Catholic Cemetery in Mission.

Miguel Macias LTON - Miguel Macias, 63 passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in Edinburg. He was born on March 16, 1952 to Miguel Angel Macias and Maria Carlotta Lopez.

He is survived by his wife, Noemi Macias; his children, Miguel Angel Macias Jr., Patricia Macias, Maria Irene Macias Cavazos, San Juanita Macias Hernandez, Thelma Macias Serrano, Michael Anthony Macias, Michelle Noemi Macias, Kathryn Johanna Macias, Anna Paola Macias, Fernanda Macias, and Camilla Macias; step-children, Norma Marez, Oscar Marez and Matilde Resendez; and numerous grandchildren.

Services were held April 21 at Valley Worship Center in McAllen. Interment followed to Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Alberto Ramirez Jr. ISSION – Alberto Ramirez Jr., 60, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Solara Hospital in McAllen, Texas. He was born in Mission, Texas on February 13, 1955, to Alberto Ramirez

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M

and Rebecca Gonzalez.

He is survived by his wife, San Juanita Ramirez; children Melissa Garza, Criselda Cardenas, Amie Ramirez, and Rene Ramirez; mother, Rebecca Ramirez; siblings, Sara Ramirez, Fidela Ramirez, Maria Mendoza, Marisela Garcia, Esmeralda Gonzalez, Domingo Ramirez, Joel Ramirez Humberto Ramirez, and Saul Ramirez; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his father and a granddaughter.

A funeral mass was held April 18 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Penitas.

Interment followed to Lord and I Cemetery in Palmview, Texas.

Maria de la Luz Zamudio ISSION - Maria de la Luz Zamudio, 89, passed away on April 14, 2015 at McAllen Medical Center. She was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico on May 26, 1925.

She is survived by her children, Carlos Velasquez, Roberto Manuel Zamudio, Maria Soledad Garcia, and Norma Torres; sev-

M

Notices

Gerald Allen Colter MISSION - Gerald Allen Colter, 88, died Monday, April 13, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center.

Daniel Diaz Sr. MISSION - Funeral services for Daniel Diaz Sr. were held April 16 at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Mission.

Hector Hernandez SULLIVAN CITY - Funeral services for Hector Hernandez were held April 16 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Sullivan City. Cremation followed.

Benita Marroquin MISSION - Funeral services for Benita Marroquin were held April 16 at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission.

Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Matias Ocon MISSION - Funeral ser-

Registration begins for arts program in Pharr

T Maria de la Luz Zamudio

en grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Zamudio.

A funeral mass was held April 18 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission. Burial followed at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Serving as pallbearers were Roberto, Robert Jr., Stevie Ray Zamudio, Carlos and Orlie Velasquez, Eddie Garcia and Rey Barrera.

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. vice for Matias Ocon were held today at Iglesia La Vid Verdadera in Mission. Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Robert ‘Bob’ John Penkal MISSION - Robert ‘Bob’ John Penkal, age 86, after passed away on Monday, April 13, 2015. He was a US Army veteran and loved fishing at Lake of the Woods, Canada.

He leaves his wife, Jean; children, John, Steve, Terry, Robert Penkal, II and Lisa Cox; 10 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Francisca B. Perez MISSION - Visitation for Francisca B. Perez will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today, April 17, 2015, with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Virgil Wilson Memorial Chapel in Mission.

Funeral services for Francisca B. Perez were held April 18 at Virgil Wilson Memorial Chapel in Mission.

he Summer Arts Program, sponsored by the Pharr Community Theater Company, is beginning registration for their summer programs. The arts program will feature classes in art, ballet, hip hop, piano, and acting. Registration is also being held for piano classes and private lessons.

The Summer Arts Program for “On Stage and More” features classes for children and youth, grades kindergarten through ninth grade and offers classes in art, ballet, hip hop, piano, and acting classes during the summer. Older Youth, grades nine through 12, may also participate in piano and drama options. Each class is scheduled on a specific weekday in the summer between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m.

Registration is being held Monday through Thursday, April 27-April 30, between 4:30 and 7 p.m. in the Carnahan Auditorium of Carnahan Elementary School located at 317 W. Gore in Pharr.

Two other registration dates will be available at

Burial followed at Garden of Angels Cemetery in Abram.

Gloria Rosales MISSION - Gloria Rosales, 48, died Thursday, April 16, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center.

Juliana Rubio MISSION - Visitation for Juliana Rubio will be from 1 to 9 p.m. today, April 17, 2015, with a 7 p.m. rosary at Funeraria del Angel in Mission.

Raul Salinas SULLIVAN CITY - Raul Salinas, 73, died Monday, April 20, 2015, at McAllen Medical Center in McAllen.

Harlan De Sotel MISSION - Harlan De Sotel, 81, died Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at Mission Regional Medical Center.

Ricardo Javier Zamora MISSION - Ricardo Javier Zamora, 49, died Monday, April 20, 2015, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg.

ChurCh DireCtory BREAD OF LIFE CHURCH 2820 N. Conway Ave. • 581-1411 CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 4501 N. McColl. - McAllen CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 29th & Dove - McAllen 618-0884 CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Missonaries • 580-2570 CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH 911 N. Main - McAllen 686-4241 CONWAY AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH 1 Mi. N. Conway • 585-2413 EL FARO BIBLE CHURCH 15 miles W. of Mission on Exp. 83 Sullivan City, TX • 585-5617 EL MESIAS UNITED METHODIST 209 E. 6th • 585-2334 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 3 miles N. Shary Rd. • 581-1465 FAITH FELLOWSHIP BIBLE CHURCH 1 mile N. Exp. 83 on Tom Gill Rd. 519-6311 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1300 Doherty • 585-1442 FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 12th and Miller - Mission 585-7281 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1102 Ash St. • 585-4829 for worship schedule.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1101 Doherty • 585-1665

NORTH PALMVIEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH 7612 W. 6 Mile Ln. Mission • 735-2569

ROAD TO SALVATION ASSEMBLY OF GOD 239 W. 2nd St. - La Joya 1312 Oblate • 585-3261

OUR LADY QUEEN OF ANGELS One-half mile South Leo Avenue La Joya • 585-5223

SAN CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES & COMPANIONS PARISH

3805 Plantation Grove Blvd., Ste. 5

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH 6634 El Camino Real • Granjeno 279-4159

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

IGLESIA BAUTISTA BETANIA 851 S. Breyfogle Rd. • 585-5688

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH 2.5 miles S. Conway (FM 1016) Mission • 279-4159

ST. JOHN OF THE FIELDS CATHOLIC CHURCH 1052 Washington Ave. • 585-2325

IGLESIA BAUTISTA CRISTO EL REY 1600 E. Bus. 83 - Mission

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CATHOLIC CHURCH 620 Dunlap • 585-2623

IGLESIA BAUTISTA COLONIAL 3713 N. La Homa Rd. • 585-5332

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH 923 Matamoros St. • 581-2193

ST. PETER & ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2310 N. Stewart Rd. 585-5005

IGLESIA BAUTISTA DEL VALLE 217 W. Mile 3 Rd. • 424-1602 Palmhurst

PALM VALLEY CHURCH 1720 E. Griffin Pkwy.

585-3203

SHINING LIGHT BAPTIST CHURCH 6 1/8 N. Doffing Rd. (FM 492) 580-4078

FREEDOM LIFE CHURCH 2214 W. Griffin Pkwy. • 519-7000 Mission GRACIA DIVINA MINISTRY 4122 N. Conway • 584-3112 GREAT OAKS COMMUNITY CHURCH 2722 N. Conway • 451-5500 Mission IGLESIA ADVENTISTA DEL SEPTIMO DIA 1725 W. Griffin Parkway 581-9008

IGLESIA DEL PUEBLO 7500 West Expressway 83 581-1900 IGLESIA DEL DIVINO REDENTOR 1020 North Los Ebanos Rd 585-5898

PEÑITAS BAPTIST CHURCH 1/3 Mile S. of Exp.83 on FM 1427 583-6236 PRIMERA BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of 6th & Oblate 585-4711

LA RESPUESTA CHURCH 405 W. 12th Street • 585-0787

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

MISSION CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 1 mi. E. 495 • 585-6683

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

NEW HOPE AT THE BORDER 905 N. Conway • 585-4122

RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH 901 S. Shary Rd. (Located in the Holiday Inn Express Conference Room) 451-4838

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

Mission • 580-4551

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

TEMPLO BIBLICO 5 Mile/Conway • 581-4981 or 585-3831 TEMPLO EVANGELICO, M.B. CHURCH La Joya THE DOOR CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

810 E. Veterans & La Homa Suite F.

Palmview Crossing Plaza 212-1594/424-1984

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 3701W. 3 Mile Line • 585-3261 WEST MISSION LUTHERAN FELLOWSHIP Pleasant Valley Ranch 7320 W. Exp. 83 • Mission 583-7667 VALLEY FELLOWSHIP 1708 E. Griffin Parkway Mission • 424-7200

MISSION AUTO ELECTRIC, INC. DBA

ER MAE EPQOU IW PMENT

Commercial Lawn Equipment “Since 1954”

915 West Bus. 83 • Mission, tX 78572 • (956) 581-7433

KING, GUERRA, DAVIS & GARCIA

ATTORNEYS AT LAW DAVID H. GUERRA NEAL KING (retired) DARRELL DAVIS ESMERALDA GARCIA (retired) 301 E. Tom Landry • Mission • 585-1622

page 11

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IMPLEMENT COMPANY, INC. MISSION 585-1618

  

 



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

 

Carnahan on Saturday, June 13 from 10 am to 1 p.m. and also on June 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. However, you are wise to register now because class size is limited.

The Pharr Community Theater and Cultural Center will offer piano lessons, beginning and intermediate levels, and keyboard classes for beginners for children and youth beginning the week of June 22 and continuing through July 31.

Students from grades kindergarten to high school and beyond, including adults, will be able to work together in groups of six to learn the basics of piano and to make music together.

Private lessons are taught for 30 minutes each week.

Class keyboard lessons are one hour per week and are limited to six students per

class.

Registration fees are $30 per class for the entire sixweek summer session which will begin the week of June 22. Each class will end with a performance for parents and friends during the last session at the end of July.

The ‘On Stage and More’ after school program is offered four times each year to children and youth throughout the entire mid-valley community. This program is sponsored by the Pharr Community Theater Company in collaboration with PSJA ISD, Good Samaritan Community Services, PACES and with support from Valley Keyboard. Call Malou 832-640-4360 (English) or Olga 956-782-2061 (Spanish) for more information.

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar to speak at Buenas Tardes Luncheon

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he Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce will host its Spring quarter Buenas Tardes Luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Club at Cimarron.

This quarter’s Buenas Tardes Luncheon is sponsored

by Texas Regional Bank and will feature keynote speaker, United States Congressman Henry Cuellar.

“I thank the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to speak one-on-one with its members and to give a legislative update from Washington.

Our local chambers of commerce serve as tremendous resources for business-owners and citizens alike to make sure our communities grow and prosper, and I look forward to the opportunity to sit down with Mission-area business leaders and hear directly from them what policies are working and how we can continue to work together to help our local businesses thrive,” said Cuellar.

Tickets are only $20 per

person if purchased before Monday, May 4. They may also be purchased at the door for $25. To make reservations, contact the Mission Chamber of Commerce at (956) 585-2727 or events@ missionchamber.com. Walkup luncheon registrations are limited and may not be available. Arrive on time to ensure seating. Club at Cimarron is located at 1200 South Shary Road in Mission.

page 12

A NEW START

La Joya Independent School 980-square-foot house.

District. Members of his staff The commissioner’s office also saw posts on Facebook. collected about $5,000 for the “It’s a lot different when project from the community, you come over and really see and another $20,000 to build it in person than when some- the new home came from his one gives you a call,” Flores own funds. Rams Construcsaid. “We drove over here and tion built the house. Snavely, we saw the kids running all Flores said, did the flooring, over the place.” painted the house and bought He sent a member of his the family furniture. Bazan staff to buy new uniforms Plumbing did the plumbing for the children, who were for the home and Jorge De La afraid they would get writ- Garza donated countertops ten up when they returned to and cabinets. school after Spring Break, Zavala and her family and started on plans for the have lived on the property 12 years.

CAIN CUSTOMS BROKERS, INC. “Today, I’m NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE feeling happy ABANDONED MERCHANDISE Consisting of Electronic assembly machinery, Conveyor equipment, Shelving Sale to be held at: Bond & Bond Auctioneers 1-1/2 Mi. N. Cesar Chavez Road San Juan, Texas On Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 10 AM. No minimum and no reserve.

from pg 1

because today we get our new house. I’m really grateful to everyone who helped, especially Joe Flores and Ted,” Garcia said.

HOSA

from pg 7

HOSA National Service Project. These students are: Brittany Bazaldua, Isaac Martinez, Hannabeth Medina.

The students who worked on a community awareness campaign called, Love Shouldn’t Hurt, are advancing to national completion as well. They are: Karina Farias, Zenaida Alaniz, and Carlos Tello.

H-E-B APP

from pg 3

pantry, capturing items from coupons and weekly ads on heb.com, or even building shopping lists from recipes in-store or on the website.

Shoppers can create and save multiple shopping lists for specific H-E-B stores and the lists automatically sync between the website and app. When creating lists on heb.com, the product catalogue will even tell shoppers if the item is on sale.

T

Livestock show season successful for Mission FFA Chapter

he 2015 livestock show season was a successful one for the Mission FFA Chapter. At the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Israel Davila was awarded reserve grand champion status for

DAVIS from pg 10

The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance.

About 150,000 students entered the 2015 National Achievement Scholarship Program by requesting consideration in the competition when they took the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as high school juniors.

LA JOYA POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE VEHICLE AUCTION PH:956-585-4855

May 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

100 W Expressway 83 La Joya, TX 78560 NUMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

April 24, 2015

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VEHICLE 2000 BLACK DODGE DURANGO 2006 WHITE CHEVROLET COBALT 1997 WHITE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2005 WHITE PONTIAC G6 2000 GREEN FORD RANGER 2000 GRAY CHEVROLET CAVALIER 2004 WHITE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 1997 GRAY/BLACK DODGE RAM 1500 1996 WHITE FORD VAN 1994 RED GMC SONOMA 1999 BLUE PONTIAC SUNFIRE 1997 GREEN FORD TAURUS 2002 GRAY FORD FOCUS WAGON 2003 MAROON FORD WINDSTAR VAN 1997 SILVER CHEVROLET SILVERADO

VIN # 1B4HR28Y1YF191870 1G1AK55F467605074 1G2WP1212VF354385 1G2ZG528X54178943 1FTYR14V7YPB04377 1G1JC5240Y7379604 2G2WP522041195906 1B7HC13ZXVJ519133 1FTEE14Y2THB43258 1GTCS19Z4R8518674 3G2JB5243XS815781 1FALP52U8VA217762 1FAHP36322W345022 2FMZA52433BA62170 2GCEC19M3V119392

Starting Bid $ 600.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 100.00 $ 600.00 $ 800.00 $ 600.00 $ 800.00 $ 600.00 $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $ 800.00 $ 500.00 $ 600.00

his purebred Brahman steer.

Other top place finishers included these projects which sold at the show auction: Ricardo Pruneda, first place, Beefmaster bull; Israel Davila, third place ABC heifer; Nelida Garza, first place fine wool lamb; Johanna Jimenez, second place, fine wool cross lamb; Jody Sifuentes, second place, medium wool lamb; Amanda Granados, third place, fine wool cross lamb; Kayla Mora, third place, Southdown lamb; Alan Hinojosa, second place, goat; Azael Garcia, second place, goat; Christopher Venecia, second place, dark cross hog; Saul Pena, third place, Yorkshire hog; Jody Sifuentes, third place, light cross hog; Samantha Hernandez, fourth place, light cross hog.

WILLIAMS

ley as a coordinator for the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council Regional Training Center.

Williams, then 21, decided to join his dad in the Valley and within a month of leaving the military, he had a job as an officer with the Mission Police Department.

A businessman While in the Marines, Williams developed a love for Krav Maga, a self-defense system. He’d trained in California and become an instructor but there wasn’t an outlet in the Valley.

“I’ve always said I didn’t want to be a victim to someone else’s brutal assault,” Williams said. “I wanted to know how to defend myself on the job or off the job.”

Then, on a call with Mission PD, another former Marine in the nose punched Williams. He had to have reconstructive surgery, and he decided he needed to get back to training.

He started his first business, Krav Maga Ghost, with no help, taking out loans to cover the start-up capital.

Williams said he’s had to learn the hard way, and that experience has given him the drive to push for change.

Williams said he had great credit until he was forced to take out the loans because the Small Business Administration pointed him to banks that didn’t want to risk sponsoring a small business with start-up cash.

With a $40,000 job as a police officer, Williams said he’s defaulted on some of the loans and he’s still trying to pay off others. The business is growing slowly, but Williams doesn’t have the capital to do a lot of marketing.

“I would like to see us have incentives and actually help businesses to open and then grow. We’ve got to look at the economic development of small businesses because that’s our economy, that’s where we’re going to get jobs from,” Williams said.

“I’m looking at people’s lives and I’m looking at their kids, and this is not the way that people should be treated in the United States. We break our backs just to have a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, food on our table. We don’t have a chance to get a head a little bit.”

To do that, the region needs to be unified, Williams said. He wants to see all city, county, state and federal officials working together. There are more people in the Rio Grande Valley than Austin, Williams said, but the city of Austin has more opportunities because its leaders are more unified.

He counted four universities in Austin and said there are more diverse career opportunities in the central Texas city. Meanwhile, in the Valley, students are racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loans and then find themselves without a job in their career field. They either must find a lower paying job in another field or move to another area.

Student shop projects that sold at the RGVLS auction included: Michelle Flores, superior award; Genardo Duran, excellent award; Erick Ramirez, excellent award; Israel Davila, excellent award; Marco Garcia, excellent award; Johanna Jimenez, excellent award.

Results from the Rio Grande Valley District Livestock Show include: Israel Davila, breed champion purebred Brahman steer; Justin Cerda, breed champion ABC steer; Israel Davila, breed champion ABC heifer; Jody Sifuentes, grand champion lamb; Amanda Granados, reserve breed champion fine wool cross lamb; Nelida Garza, breed champion fine wool lamb; April Cerda, champion showmanship. from pg 1

Immigration and veterans afffairs Williams said he’s supports a legal path to residency, comparing the trauma of the country deporting undocumented parents of children who were born in the United States to that of the slaves brought to the country several centuries ago. Black families were split up and sent to separate states, never to see one another again, he said. That destroyed family ties and the African culture, he said.

“I believe that people should be able to come to this country to have a better life, but not those with criminal records. We’re not opening our doors to bad guys,” Williams said.

Still, he said, if the United States is going to stop the flow of immigrant entering the country illegally, it needs to enforce stricter laws on employers who hire people without documents.

The U.S. needs to develop a responsible, consolidated way of allowing people into the United States so they can be screened criminally and medically, he said. The border wall isn’t doing anything to stop people from crossing over and neither are the National Guard troops stationed in the Valley. U.S. leaders need to work with Mexican officials to secure their side of the border as well, he said.

Meanwhile, as a disabled veteran himself, Williams said it makes no sense that the 120,000 veterans in the Valley don’t have their own VA hospital. They’ve gotten nothing but empty promises from the region’s leaders, he said.

“A full-service VA hospital is what veterans need here,” Williams said. “I don’t believe that that’s asking for much after the sacrifices that we’ve made for this country.

That’s part of the bill. We’re not asking for handouts.

We’re not asking for sympathy. We’re just asking for a little bit of service.”

Sticking together Williams wasn’t raised to look at skin color and he doesn’t believe the fact that he is black should matter as he runs for office in a district that is heavily Hispanic. Instead, Williams said he was brought up to look at a man’s character, and that’s what he thinks others should do.

He came to the Valley five years to make it his home. It has potential, Williams said, but it needs the right leaders in office to make it happen.

“This is a predominantly Hispanic area and yet we have people that have been in office that have taken advantage of other Hispanics, so it doesn’t matter what your race is. I identify with people because I’m a person. I’m a hard-working middle-class person just like they are.

“We fly the same flag; we share the same dream; we all want to be successful. When you look at blacks and Hispanics, we’re all minorities in the United States, which his why it’s important that we stick together.”

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April 24, 2015

AMJH principal named semi-finalist in H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program

A

lton Memorial Jr. High School principal, Sylvia Garcia has been selected as a semi-finalist during the preliminary judging of the 2015 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Garcia received a special certificate and a $500 gift card from H-E-B. The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are extremely competitive. H-E-B indicated more than 900 applications were received

from educators all over Texas. Out of those, 150 teachers, 50 principals, 14 district, 20 early childhood providers and 11 school boards were selected as semi-finalists and went on to compete in the regional judging process.

Garcia has been with Mission Consolidated Independent School District since 2003. This year marks her 10th year as the principal at Alton Memorial Jr. High School.

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page 13

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from pg 1

the rally makes front page news – they have to pay attention because it’s an issue that people are concerned about.”

This year, all eyes are on the reformation of Elementary and Secondary Education Act and public school funding. There are two contenders for rewriting the actA, also known as No Child Left Behind from the Bush Administration.

Regarding funding, State Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, chairman of the House Public Education Committee, announced that legislation would cover school finance this year, even with

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25¢ each additional word thereafter

rates. Call Carolina 956-827-1853 or 956-683-6243.

MATERIAL BID SOLICITATION: DWSRF Waterline Project - Palmview, Texas The 5125 Company is soliciting material suppliers for the project above. For more information: Email: pe5125@aol.com Phone (956) 583-5125 Fax (956) 585-1633 Any loan award is contingent upon release of funds from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). This contract is subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “fair share policy”, which includes EPA-approved “fair share goals” for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) firms in the Construction, Supplies, Equipment and Services procurement categories. EPA’s policy requires that applicants and prime contractors make a good faith effort to award a fair share of the contracts, subcontracts, and procurements to MBE and WBE firms. Although EPA’s policy does not mandate that the fair share goals be achieved, it does require applicants and prime contractors to demonstrate use of the six affirmative steps. The current fair share goals for the State of Texas are as follows: CATEGORY

RALLY the pending Supreme Court case.

A charter bus of 51 MCISD representatives drove to the capitol steps Saturday, with additional caravans originating in cities from McAllen to Brownsville.

Alvarez-Alonzo said what most stood out to her at the rally was a student performance about their take on the state tests. Part of the skit drew attention the physical illness students undergo due to testing worries.

“That’s not the point of education. We need to inspire kids,” she said. “It seems like we need to help

the whole child instead of making them think that it’s just about the test.”

Alvarez-Alonzo said she uses her experiences as teaching tool for her students. She informs her fifth graders on the issues and lets them know that groups of people are speaking on their behalf.

“This is our democratic process. This is your constitutional right,” she said.

“You have the right to assemble and before you vote, you need to be an informed voter. That’s part of being a successful citizen, which is part of our Mission vision.”

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.

LEGAL NOTICE Company Name: Family Dollar Stores, Inc. Billing Address: 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 Permits by Family Dollar Stores of Texas LLC d/b/a Family Dollar Store #5904 located at 900 W Expressway 83, Sullivan City, Hidalgo County, Texas 78595 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)

Notice of Public Hearing Mission Economic Development Corporation Notice is hereby given that the Mission Economic Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on May 28, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 1201 East 8th Street, Mission, Texas to consider the following project or projects during the proposed fiscal year 2014-2015: Small Business and Workforce Development Program in an amount not to exceed $30,000. Anyone interested is invited to attend and present their comments.

Date of publication: April 24, 2015 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT The Alton Recreation Center has several summer job positions available for the 2015 Summer Youth Camp. The program consists of 7 weeks which will begin June 8, 2015 and end July 24, 2015.

Interested individuals may apply at Alton City Hall, 509 South Alton Blvd, Alton, Texas 78574, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or obtain an application online at http://www.alton-tx. gov/departments/human-resources/view-listingsapply/.

(No Phone Calls) Rate of pay DOQ Open until filled MISSION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION NOTICE OF INTENTION BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FY 2014-2015 BUDGET TAKE NOTICE that the Mission Economic Development Corporation of the City of Mission, (the “MEDC”), shall convene not earlier than 60 days after first publishing this notice and shall consider authorizing a Budget Amendment to the fiscal year 2014-2015 Budget, as hereinafter described, pursuant to the provisions of V.T.C.A. Local Government Code Sections 505.001 et seq. The MEDC is authorized on behalf of the City of Mission, Texas to undertake the Project or Projects by paying the cost of the Project or Projects with sales tax revenues authorized under said Local Government Code sections.

The Board of Directors of the MEDC will determine whether the Project or Projects will be undertaken and whether it will finance the cost of the Project or Projects with proceeds from sales tax revenues.

The Project or Projects shall consist of the following: Small Business and Workforce Development Program in an amount not to exceed $30,000.

Date of Publication: April 24, 2015 Anna Carrillo, City Secretary

Yvonne Ramón Elections Administrator

FOR THE SHARYLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S SCHOOL DISTRICTS TRUSTEE ELECTION MAY 9, 2015 (Para la Eleccion General para Miembros de la Mesa Directiva para el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Sharyland) (9 de Mayo del 2015) To the Registered Voters residing within the boundaries of the Sharyland Independent School District in the County of Hidalgo, Texas (Para los votantes registrados que residen dentro de los límites de el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Sharyland dentro el condado de Hidalgo, Texas): Early Voting by personal appearance will be conducted at the polling place listed on this notice.

(La votación adelantada en persona, se llevara a cabo en la casilla de esta noticia.)

EARLY VOTING POLL LOCATION (casilla para el voto adelantado) Mission Boys & Girls Club at Bannworth 1822 N. Shary Road Mission, TX

Days/Dias

Dates/Fechas

Hours/Horas

Monday/lunes

April 27, 2015

7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Wednesday/miercoles

April 29, 2015

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Tuesday/martes

Thursday/jueves Friday/viernes

Saturday/sabado Sunday/domingo Monday/lunes

Tuesday/martes

April 28, 2015 April 30, 2015 May 1, 2015 May 2, 2015 May 3, 2015 May 4, 2015 May 5, 2015

8:00 am – 6:00 pm 8:00 am – 6:00 pm 8:00 am – 6:00 pm 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CLOSED

8:00 am – 6:00 pm 7:00 am – 7:00 pm

MAY 9, 2015 (9 de Mayo del 2015) ELECTION DAY POLLING LOCATION 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (dia de elección las casillas electorales abren de 7:00 am – 7:00 pm) Precincts / Precinctos

Poll Location / Casilla Electoral

Address / Dirección

38, 83, 84, 101, 164, 188, 193, 203, 215, 231 & 236

Mission Boys & Girls Club at Bannworth

1822 N. Shary Road Mission, TX

Garza Elementary

7905 N. Taylor Mission, TX

74, 165, 166, 167, 211, 212 & 222

Applications for ballot by mail shall be mailed to Yvonne Ramón, Elections Administrator, P.O. Box 659, Edinburg, Texas 78540 or 101 S. 10th Ave., Edinburg, Texas 78539. Applications for ballots by mail MUST be received, not simply postmarked, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2015.

(La aplicación para votar en ausencia por correo será enviada a Yvonne Ramón, Administradora de Elecciones, al P.O .Box 659, Edinburg, Texas 78540 o 101 S. 10th Ave., Edinburg, Texas 78539.

Aplicaciones para votar en ausencia por correo deben recibirse, no simplemente sellada por el correo en la oficina, no mas tardado que las 5:00 p.m. el jueves, 30 de Abril del 2015.)

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April 24, 2015